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A Ballroom Dance Mystery #1
Quickstep to Murder
What if your dance partner, business partner, and fiancé was stepping out with another woman? That's exactly what happens to Stacy Graysin, who shares ownership of a ballroom dance studio with the man who broke her heart, Rafe Acosta.
But when Stacy discovers Rafe's dead body in the studio one dark night, the police suspect her of killing him. To clear her name and save her studio, Stacey teams up with Rafe's estranged cousin from Argentina, Tav, to find the real killer. And if Stacy doesn't watch her step, the killer may make this dance her last.
But when Stacy discovers Rafe's dead body in the studio one dark night, the police suspect her of killing him. To clear her name and save her studio, Stacey teams up with Rafe's estranged cousin from Argentina, Tav, to find the real killer. And if Stacy doesn't watch her step, the killer may make this dance her last.
293 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 6, 2011
12 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Ella Barrick
3 books52 followersElla Barrick grew up in the South, but has since migrated West. She spent some time working for Uncle Sam and taught English at the college level before turning her hand to writing mysteries.
Ella and her husband took exactly two ballroom dancing lessons on the quickstep before Ella’s bruised ankles and crushed feet forced them to retire. (Her husband is a wonderful guy, but he doesn’t have a single ballroom dance gene in his whole body.) Thus, Ella relies on the kindness of competitive ballroom dancers and friends who foxtrot fabulously for the dance details in her Ballroom Dance Mysteries. And, of course, she watches Dancing with the Stars for costume and choreography ideas!
Besides writing, Ella enjoys reading, gardening, home decorating, traveling, and long walks or hikes.
Ella and her husband took exactly two ballroom dancing lessons on the quickstep before Ella’s bruised ankles and crushed feet forced them to retire. (Her husband is a wonderful guy, but he doesn’t have a single ballroom dance gene in his whole body.) Thus, Ella relies on the kindness of competitive ballroom dancers and friends who foxtrot fabulously for the dance details in her Ballroom Dance Mysteries. And, of course, she watches Dancing with the Stars for costume and choreography ideas!
Besides writing, Ella enjoys reading, gardening, home decorating, traveling, and long walks or hikes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 16, 2016
I rarely give a first book in the series 5 stars but this book embraced me from the first page. The setting was something I knew I would like as soon as I heard the title and the characters and the mystery plot did not disappoint. They were perfectly choreographed with all the right moves and set the perfect tempo, fast. Once you start this book you will not be able to put it down.
The staring character Stacy was very multifaceted dealing with the grief of her ex being murdered in the middle of her studio and strong when she had to be to keep the business going, dealing with wide range of problems with students and instructors. But the true treasure was when he softer side just started to break through in the end when she could let her guard down a bit.
I can't wait until June for the next installment of this series, Dead Man Waltzing. It will be a true delight to take another twirl on the dance floor and have Ella lead us into her next mystery.
Received this book from publisher for honest review.
The staring character Stacy was very multifaceted dealing with the grief of her ex being murdered in the middle of her studio and strong when she had to be to keep the business going, dealing with wide range of problems with students and instructors. But the true treasure was when he softer side just started to break through in the end when she could let her guard down a bit.
I can't wait until June for the next installment of this series, Dead Man Waltzing. It will be a true delight to take another twirl on the dance floor and have Ella lead us into her next mystery.
Received this book from publisher for honest review.
February 21, 2014
There's a rare moment of honesty in this book. After everything is done, another character congratulates our heroine, Stacy, on solving the mystery. Stacy replies, "there's not much solving involved when someone points a gun at you and confesses". I can't agree more. I just wish more cozies would admit that. Despite this, it's not a good book. It's only different in that it's set in a ballroom rather than a kitchen.
Stacy is not the main character I wanted to read about. So she's a ballroom dancer, but she needn't have been so condescending about so many professions, so many times. There was a part where she's fretting about the financial difficulties her studio is facing to a rival dancer. When the rival who sells cosmetics on the side, tells her to get a day job, and that it's not that bad, Stacy seems outraged - "I'm a ballroom dancer! Not a store clerk!" she exclaims, like Solange suggested that she prostitute herself. Solange gets her say - she not only sells an overpriced cosmetic item to this chit, but she also makes her look like a class a clown. Never have I rooted so much for the vamp, and never has it been so satisfying when she gets the last word. Stacy also has a stick up her bottom about how the studio needs to be run. It's a serious studio, so let us run it to the ground rather than run hip-hop or kiddie recitals! Never mind that she cannot wrap her mind around 2+2 = 4. Blech.
Stacy's a loathsome character, without her ever having committed a crime. The others are no better, they all lack personalities. I usually read cozies not for the mystery but for the recurring side characters, so this was extremely disappointing. There were only three characters I was even remotely interested in - two sixteen year olds, Taryn and Sawyer, and a dog called Hoover. Taryn and Sawyer also exhibited the most maturity among this book's characters, all of whom are older than them. I found the romance tacky. Stacy has the hots for her ex's half brother, one whom she almost confuses for the ex himself. And this happens when the ex isn't even cold in the ground. I wonder if the whole of Washington DC couldn't come up with another man for her to fall for. I also found the way she turned away a student who was interested in joining her as partners really tacky too. She just seems so entitled, so sure of herself that she's hard to care for. So it didn't matter who the killer was - I didn't really figure it out, because the killer is someone I forgot existed - I just wanted it to end.
2 stars, for a lame reason - I need this for a challenge. My library doesn't carry book 2, and it's just as well.
Stacy is not the main character I wanted to read about. So she's a ballroom dancer, but she needn't have been so condescending about so many professions, so many times. There was a part where she's fretting about the financial difficulties her studio is facing to a rival dancer. When the rival who sells cosmetics on the side, tells her to get a day job, and that it's not that bad, Stacy seems outraged - "I'm a ballroom dancer! Not a store clerk!" she exclaims, like Solange suggested that she prostitute herself. Solange gets her say - she not only sells an overpriced cosmetic item to this chit, but she also makes her look like a class a clown. Never have I rooted so much for the vamp, and never has it been so satisfying when she gets the last word. Stacy also has a stick up her bottom about how the studio needs to be run. It's a serious studio, so let us run it to the ground rather than run hip-hop or kiddie recitals! Never mind that she cannot wrap her mind around 2+2 = 4. Blech.
Stacy's a loathsome character, without her ever having committed a crime. The others are no better, they all lack personalities. I usually read cozies not for the mystery but for the recurring side characters, so this was extremely disappointing. There were only three characters I was even remotely interested in - two sixteen year olds, Taryn and Sawyer, and a dog called Hoover. Taryn and Sawyer also exhibited the most maturity among this book's characters, all of whom are older than them. I found the romance tacky. Stacy has the hots for her ex's half brother, one whom she almost confuses for the ex himself. And this happens when the ex isn't even cold in the ground. I wonder if the whole of Washington DC couldn't come up with another man for her to fall for. I also found the way she turned away a student who was interested in joining her as partners really tacky too. She just seems so entitled, so sure of herself that she's hard to care for. So it didn't matter who the killer was - I didn't really figure it out, because the killer is someone I forgot existed - I just wanted it to end.
2 stars, for a lame reason - I need this for a challenge. My library doesn't carry book 2, and it's just as well.
July 8, 2016
I enjoyed this cozy, although I it did not hold my intrest for the first couple of chapters. I enjoy Dancing with the Stars, so I thought this was a fun story and I'm sad to see that there are just 3 books in the series.
January 30, 2018
I would like to take ballroom dancing lessons, but I just haven’t been able to fit it into my schedule. Ballroom dancing joined well with this mystery. Ella Barrick's QUICKSTEP TO MURDER is an good choice for anyone who likes either of the two or both, dancing and mysteries. I am thankful that I read book #1 in the series.
Stacy Graysin and her now ex-fiance, Rafe, are the owners of a dance studio called Graysin Motion in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. They are both professional ballroom dancers, dance teachers and also dance partners in competitions. The studio is part of Stacy's home, and upon hearing a suspicious noise in the studio, Stacy goes to find out what it is and she finds Rafe shot to death on the studio floor. As is par for the course, those nearest and dearest to the deceased are the ones the police look at first, and Stacy becomes the number one suspect.
As the story progresses and Stacy digs for answers, there are several people who have reason to kill Rafe and one leads straight to Capitol Hill. Rafe's half-brother arrives from Argentina and it is possible that a romance is starting between Octavio and Stacy, but he has to take Rafe's body back to Argentina. I found this line a distraction from the story. I did not enjoy it and it felt forced. The ending, as to who gets Rafe’s share of the business was a distraction and I did not like the conclusion. In some ways, I am not interested in continuing to read the series.
The book makes no bones about the fact that there is not a lot of money in teaching dance and that awards for competitive dancing are not excessive.
Stacy Graysin and her now ex-fiance, Rafe, are the owners of a dance studio called Graysin Motion in Old Town, Alexandria, VA. They are both professional ballroom dancers, dance teachers and also dance partners in competitions. The studio is part of Stacy's home, and upon hearing a suspicious noise in the studio, Stacy goes to find out what it is and she finds Rafe shot to death on the studio floor. As is par for the course, those nearest and dearest to the deceased are the ones the police look at first, and Stacy becomes the number one suspect.
As the story progresses and Stacy digs for answers, there are several people who have reason to kill Rafe and one leads straight to Capitol Hill. Rafe's half-brother arrives from Argentina and it is possible that a romance is starting between Octavio and Stacy, but he has to take Rafe's body back to Argentina. I found this line a distraction from the story. I did not enjoy it and it felt forced. The ending, as to who gets Rafe’s share of the business was a distraction and I did not like the conclusion. In some ways, I am not interested in continuing to read the series.
The book makes no bones about the fact that there is not a lot of money in teaching dance and that awards for competitive dancing are not excessive.
October 1, 2022
I'm a big fan of watching dance (think Dancing With the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance). I liked the idea of a cozy mystery having dance as a theme.
While the mystery was decent, I found myself bored. It didn't help that I really didn't like the main character, Stacy. That issue made this so hard to get into.
While the mystery was decent, I found myself bored. It didn't help that I really didn't like the main character, Stacy. That issue made this so hard to get into.
June 6, 2019
This was an okay read. you learned about owning a dance studio which was interesting. The characters were just okay not that intriguing. The two main characters had to work out some issues while Stacy one of the main characters kept getting in trouble trying to solve the murder.
March 24, 2019
Slow moving. Not enough focus on the murder. The lead detective had to much focus on one person vs trying to look at all avenues.
July 14, 2016
At the beginning of this book, I could not get into it. I do not watch "Dancing With This The Stars" so I was at a loss with all the names of the many dances that Stacey does and teaches at her studio, Graysin Motion. She was running the studio with her finance', who she had just found with one of the other student/teachers.
Everything was going fine until she found Rafe dead in the upstairs ballroom. Of course, she becomes the prime suspect!
She decides to find the killer herself. Which turns out to be the wrong thing for her to do. Her studio becomes the place everyone wants to get a hold of. Since she and Rafe owned the studio together, his will leaves his half, Stacey thinks to her. His last girlfriend thinks she gets the studio.
But surprise surprise, Rafe's half brother shows up from Argentina to claim his body and his half of the studio!
After a few more things happen to Stacey, the book actually got my attention, so I could give it a four star rating.
I really think it was worth the time to read, even though it did take me a while.
Everything was going fine until she found Rafe dead in the upstairs ballroom. Of course, she becomes the prime suspect!
She decides to find the killer herself. Which turns out to be the wrong thing for her to do. Her studio becomes the place everyone wants to get a hold of. Since she and Rafe owned the studio together, his will leaves his half, Stacey thinks to her. His last girlfriend thinks she gets the studio.
But surprise surprise, Rafe's half brother shows up from Argentina to claim his body and his half of the studio!
After a few more things happen to Stacey, the book actually got my attention, so I could give it a four star rating.
I really think it was worth the time to read, even though it did take me a while.
March 3, 2014
Stacy is stuck with her ex-fiancee as a business partner because she can't afford to buy him out of their ballroom dance studio. However, when the police find his dead body in one of the rooms, they think Stacy killed him. Can she prove herself innocent?
I really liked the characters from the start, and the plot kept me engaged from beginning to the end. My only real complaint was that Stacy seemed to have a day with many more than 24 hours in it to do all she did plus solve the murder.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I really liked the characters from the start, and the plot kept me engaged from beginning to the end. My only real complaint was that Stacy seemed to have a day with many more than 24 hours in it to do all she did plus solve the murder.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 20, 2012
I was happily surprised to learn that this book is written by the same author who writes the Southern Beauty Shop series (as Lila Dare). I love that series and I loved this book too. I have only a limited interest in dancing (I don't even watch dancing with the stars!) so I was worried that this book wouldn't hold my interest, but it did. The dancing is there, but the book isn't bogged down with technical dancing terms or long explanations, etc. I am really looking forward to the next in this series!
October 8, 2011
Another excellent first outing in a new cozy mystery series. This author is actually Laura DiSilverio (she has a couple of series under that name), who also writes the Southern Beauty Shop series as Lila Dare. Stacey Graysin is under suspicion for the murder of her business partner, and ex-fiance', Rafe Acosta. She's out to find the real killer in D.C., and finds out that Rafe was involved in all kinds of stuff she knew nothing about!
December 17, 2014
Loved it. Amazing. So much fun, the characters are a hoot, the story is solid. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
November 13, 2022
Stacy Graysin and her partner Rafe Acosta, once engaged but now simply dance studio partners due to his infidelity, are at loggerheads about the direction of the studio. Rafe is in need of money and wants to broaden their ball room dance focus to include hi hop and tap. Before they can work it out Rafe is murdered and Stacy is the Detective's person of interest. There are plenty of possible suspects and Stacy determines to find out who. A secondary line involves Rafe leaving his half of the studio to his half brother who is thinking of selling it. This was a fun setting with a look at the dance competition world.
March 7, 2024
The author clearly wanted to show off the amount of ballroom dance research she did because there is too much explanation of it here.
Also the constant discussion of what the MC ate (or didn't eat), her figure, and working out was too much. It was over the top "I'll only eat this slice of bread because I'm a dancer" at every opportunity.
The mystery wasn't overly complicated, but still interesting. Interesting to note that the author under a different name writes political thrillers. Those portions of this novel with the ambassador and Senator seemed much more interesting than the rest.
Also the constant discussion of what the MC ate (or didn't eat), her figure, and working out was too much. It was over the top "I'll only eat this slice of bread because I'm a dancer" at every opportunity.
The mystery wasn't overly complicated, but still interesting. Interesting to note that the author under a different name writes political thrillers. Those portions of this novel with the ambassador and Senator seemed much more interesting than the rest.
January 6, 2021
Very enjoyable cozy mystery with connections to the ballroom dancing that is popular these days. I found this author to be in the better group of cozy authors. Spelling and grammar were spot-on and she did a great job of hiding the bad guy/gal's (no spoilers here!) identity until the very end!
September 15, 2020
Enjoyable read. I liked the characters.
March 26, 2021
Cute start to a new series. I absolutely love ballroom dance so I wish there was more time spent at the competition, but still enjoyable. Looking forward to where the series goes.
August 9, 2025
Problematic language, misogyny, but interesting mystery.
June 9, 2019
Easy enough read. Bit light on the investigating but it was interesting enough. Typical cozy mystery. Will possibly pick up the rest of the series if they come on sale.
September 9, 2011
Stacy Graysin breaks up with her fiancé Rafe Acosta after catching him cheating. However, since neither can afford to buy out the other partner, they must continue to run their dance studio together even after the break-up. It’s no surprise that this does not work well for either of them. Rafe wants to increase their profits by adding tap and hip hop classes, but Stacy insists that the studio remain “simply ballroom.” Adding to the tension, Rafe has started to act strangely and is slacking on studio paperwork and skipping out on classes he is supposed to be teaching. Then, Stacy literally stumbles onto Rafe’s dead body in the studio one evening, and Stacy has to fight to save the studio and stay out of jail!
There are so many different themes for cozy mysteries, but the topic of ballroom dance is unique and timely with the popularity of shows like “Dancing with the Stars.” The glimpse into the life of a professional dancer, from teaching classes to participating in dance competitions, is interesting and entertaining. The book shows a wide range of dancers, from up and coming teen students, elderly women in beginning classes who enjoy dancing with a charming dance instructor, to demanding divas in the world of professional dance. I learned things that I never knew about the world of dance, including the fact that dance pros get paid by top-rated amateurs to dance with them in Pro-Am dance competitions. Besides being an interesting tidbit, this situation plays a large role in the plot of the book.
I would expect the book to introduce readers to dance terms and names of dances, and when the author does so, they are explained well. What is strange to me is some of the unusual expressions the author uses that are not related to dancing. For example, “My hands scrabbled over the waxed surface, looking for purchase” is used to describe a dangerous situation Stacy is in.One such phrase wouldn’t stand out, but then another one is used soon afterwards: “Rafe was the one with the business brain; now that he was playing least-in-sight, I had to spend a lot more time with the bookkeeping.” I’ve never heard the expression “playing least-in-sight”, yet it was used two different times in the book. Yes, I could figure out what each meant, but the strange wording took me out of the story to puzzle over what was being said.
With these few exceptions, the author demonstrates a clever and amusing way with words. Most of the book is light and amusing and free from awkward wording. The mystery itself is interesting, which added to the unique setting, makes it a pleasure to read. There is a variety of colorful characters that add realism to the ballroom dancing setting as well as a long list of possible suspects in Rafe’s murder. The book has a fun ending that establishes much potential for dance as well as romance for Stacy.
This review was originally written for the "Season for Romance" E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
There are so many different themes for cozy mysteries, but the topic of ballroom dance is unique and timely with the popularity of shows like “Dancing with the Stars.” The glimpse into the life of a professional dancer, from teaching classes to participating in dance competitions, is interesting and entertaining. The book shows a wide range of dancers, from up and coming teen students, elderly women in beginning classes who enjoy dancing with a charming dance instructor, to demanding divas in the world of professional dance. I learned things that I never knew about the world of dance, including the fact that dance pros get paid by top-rated amateurs to dance with them in Pro-Am dance competitions. Besides being an interesting tidbit, this situation plays a large role in the plot of the book.
I would expect the book to introduce readers to dance terms and names of dances, and when the author does so, they are explained well. What is strange to me is some of the unusual expressions the author uses that are not related to dancing. For example, “My hands scrabbled over the waxed surface, looking for purchase” is used to describe a dangerous situation Stacy is in.One such phrase wouldn’t stand out, but then another one is used soon afterwards: “Rafe was the one with the business brain; now that he was playing least-in-sight, I had to spend a lot more time with the bookkeeping.” I’ve never heard the expression “playing least-in-sight”, yet it was used two different times in the book. Yes, I could figure out what each meant, but the strange wording took me out of the story to puzzle over what was being said.
With these few exceptions, the author demonstrates a clever and amusing way with words. Most of the book is light and amusing and free from awkward wording. The mystery itself is interesting, which added to the unique setting, makes it a pleasure to read. There is a variety of colorful characters that add realism to the ballroom dancing setting as well as a long list of possible suspects in Rafe’s murder. The book has a fun ending that establishes much potential for dance as well as romance for Stacy.
This review was originally written for the "Season for Romance" E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2016
2 STARS ~ A strictly wanna be cozy mystery
What if your dance partner, business partner, and fiancé was stepping out with another woman? That's exactly what happens to Stacy Graysin, who shares ownership of a ballroom dance studio with the man who broke her heart, Rafe Acosta.
Courtesy of Ella Barrick Website - http://lauradisilverio.com/productsca...
I desperately wanted to love this book! I mean look at the cover?! Isn’t it pretty? Yes I know I made a purchase based on the book cover. Stacy's quote below sets the tone for the book....
Disliked:
• Stacy’s attitude; personally she wasn't very sleuth-y. Her detective skills below par {its like she's never seen an episode of Law & Order}. Yes I know she's a dancer not a detective but adding logic to the situation seems to be beyond her.
• Detective Lissy - he came across as incompetent and unable to well "detect" He used what little evidence they had to try and pin the murder on Stacy (or that's how it came across to me)
Liked:
• Stacy’s uncle – Mr Papadakis. He sounds like a character from the Godfather. Here's a quote to describe him....
• #sisterlove - I loved the sister’s relationship; that one sister would drop everything for the other.
Overall:
In one word - disappointing, its has the mettle to be a great read with beautiful illustrations to promote the story but with lack lusted characters and the plot allowing it to easily determine who dunno it!
Personally I found it to be not my cuppa tea but other's on Goodreads have really enjoyed it. Its probably a bit like marmite - you either love it or hate it.
Soundtrack: All the way through this read I had Murder on the Dance Floor by Sophie Ellis Bextor
FOLLOW ME:... @closetgeekbookgroup (click link below)
Twitter | Instagram | Google+ | Blog | Wattpad
What if your dance partner, business partner, and fiancé was stepping out with another woman? That's exactly what happens to Stacy Graysin, who shares ownership of a ballroom dance studio with the man who broke her heart, Rafe Acosta.
Courtesy of Ella Barrick Website - http://lauradisilverio.com/productsca...
I desperately wanted to love this book! I mean look at the cover?! Isn’t it pretty? Yes I know I made a purchase based on the book cover. Stacy's quote below sets the tone for the book....
“The solving gets easier when someone points a gun at you and confesses.”
– Stacy Graysin, Quickstep to Murder
Disliked:
• Stacy’s attitude; personally she wasn't very sleuth-y. Her detective skills below par {its like she's never seen an episode of Law & Order}. Yes I know she's a dancer not a detective but adding logic to the situation seems to be beyond her.
• Detective Lissy - he came across as incompetent and unable to well "detect" He used what little evidence they had to try and pin the murder on Stacy (or that's how it came across to me)
Liked:
• Stacy’s uncle – Mr Papadakis. He sounds like a character from the Godfather. Here's a quote to describe him....
“When Mr. Papadakis wants something fixed, it gets fixed.”
• #sisterlove - I loved the sister’s relationship; that one sister would drop everything for the other.
Overall:
In one word - disappointing, its has the mettle to be a great read with beautiful illustrations to promote the story but with lack lusted characters and the plot allowing it to easily determine who dunno it!
Personally I found it to be not my cuppa tea but other's on Goodreads have really enjoyed it. Its probably a bit like marmite - you either love it or hate it.
Soundtrack: All the way through this read I had Murder on the Dance Floor by Sophie Ellis Bextor
FOLLOW ME:... @closetgeekbookgroup (click link below)
Twitter | Instagram | Google+ | Blog | Wattpad
February 13, 2012
This is a pretty good first book in a cozy series.
I think I should start with a disclaimer - I've probably been reading too many cozies lately.
The good: the heroine is not too stupid to live. In a genre where this is becoming rarer and rarer, I'm very happy when I read books where the main characters show intelligence. That said, she had moments where she did extremely stupid things. The mystery and characters are well developed. The plot progresses quickly and well with several red herrings.
I did actually figure out part of it, but not all of it.
The bad: the main character is often rude about other professions. She clearly is quite happy doing what she's doing, but the repeated comparisons to regular careers got old. While I've never been to a dental convention and I'm not an accountant, there are people well suited to those roles (thank goodness) but I suspect I'd rather hang out with them than a professional dancer who at times came across arrogant.
And at other times (as indicated above) stupid, which she really wasn't. However, she did run out into traffic and then STOOD in that traffic to bang on the window of a parked limo. Most people would run around to the other side of the vehicle and stand off the street. This was chalked up to her impulsiveness - a trait she really doesn't display enough to make it believable to me.
It would've been less creepy if she didn't end up with a love interest who could be her dead ex-fiance's twin. In fact, even the whole half brother thing is a little strange and probably should've been avoided. I get that people do that, but it really would've been better written without them looking identical. Especially since she never ever slips up and calls Octavio by Rafe's name.
Finally, the character names. A little over the top on the quirkiness. Or is it bad form to try to be a dancer if your name is Steven or Ellen?
I think I should start with a disclaimer - I've probably been reading too many cozies lately.
The good: the heroine is not too stupid to live. In a genre where this is becoming rarer and rarer, I'm very happy when I read books where the main characters show intelligence. That said, she had moments where she did extremely stupid things. The mystery and characters are well developed. The plot progresses quickly and well with several red herrings.
I did actually figure out part of it, but not all of it.
The bad: the main character is often rude about other professions. She clearly is quite happy doing what she's doing, but the repeated comparisons to regular careers got old. While I've never been to a dental convention and I'm not an accountant, there are people well suited to those roles (thank goodness) but I suspect I'd rather hang out with them than a professional dancer who at times came across arrogant.
And at other times (as indicated above) stupid, which she really wasn't. However, she did run out into traffic and then STOOD in that traffic to bang on the window of a parked limo. Most people would run around to the other side of the vehicle and stand off the street. This was chalked up to her impulsiveness - a trait she really doesn't display enough to make it believable to me.
It would've been less creepy if she didn't end up with a love interest who could be her dead ex-fiance's twin. In fact, even the whole half brother thing is a little strange and probably should've been avoided. I get that people do that, but it really would've been better written without them looking identical. Especially since she never ever slips up and calls Octavio by Rafe's name.
Finally, the character names. A little over the top on the quirkiness. Or is it bad form to try to be a dancer if your name is Steven or Ellen?
June 21, 2012
There’s a whole lot to like in “Quickstep to Murder,” the first in the Ballroom Dance mysteries by Ella Barrick, the pen name of Seattle mystery writer Laura DiSilverio. Building on the popular television reality show Dancing With the Stars, the book is a sneak peek at the backstage world of competitive dance.
When dance instructor Stacy Graysin discovers her fiancée and dance partner, Rafe, is cheating on her, she immediately breaks off their engagement. But it’s not so easy to sever ties with Rafe permanently, as they are equal partners in a professional dance studio. Stacy still has to see Rafe at the studio every day, and his idea of adding hip-hop and tap classes to the school’s offerings is a no-go with her. But she doesn’t have enough money to buy out his share.
Unfortunately for Rafe, his dance career—and his life—are cut tragically short, and poor Stacy is the one who finds his body. Because she’s now the only heir to the studio—or is she?—guess who becomes the police’s number one suspect? As if that problem isn’t enough, Stacy also has to find new dance partners for several upcoming competitions, both for herself and for several of the studio’s students. And that’s not as easy as it appears.
“Quickstep to Murder” has a great cast of characters, a plot with as much drama as the Argentine tango, and sparkles like the bling on a ballroom dancer’s gown. I don’t know how Len, Carrie Ann, and Bruno would vote on the television show, but I give it a 10!
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
When dance instructor Stacy Graysin discovers her fiancée and dance partner, Rafe, is cheating on her, she immediately breaks off their engagement. But it’s not so easy to sever ties with Rafe permanently, as they are equal partners in a professional dance studio. Stacy still has to see Rafe at the studio every day, and his idea of adding hip-hop and tap classes to the school’s offerings is a no-go with her. But she doesn’t have enough money to buy out his share.
Unfortunately for Rafe, his dance career—and his life—are cut tragically short, and poor Stacy is the one who finds his body. Because she’s now the only heir to the studio—or is she?—guess who becomes the police’s number one suspect? As if that problem isn’t enough, Stacy also has to find new dance partners for several upcoming competitions, both for herself and for several of the studio’s students. And that’s not as easy as it appears.
“Quickstep to Murder” has a great cast of characters, a plot with as much drama as the Argentine tango, and sparkles like the bling on a ballroom dancer’s gown. I don’t know how Len, Carrie Ann, and Bruno would vote on the television show, but I give it a 10!
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
April 19, 2012
Stacy Graysin owner of Graysin Motion dance studio is in a pickle. She's caught her fiance cheating, and proceeded to break up with him. That wouldn't be such a big deal, and she could probably get him out of her head, IF he wasn't half owner of Graysin Motion which forces her to have to work with him every day.....and deal with his ridiculous scheme of wanting to add hip hop and "kiddie" classes! Graysin Motion is a SERIOUS dance studio...not a place for kiddie recitals. Stacy will not even entertain the idea!
Rafe is acting extremely odd, and Stacy really wants to know why. She chases down a limo that she has seen Rafe get into before, but gets nothing for her trouble except almost being run over. Planning on meeting with Rafe to ask him what's going on, and to discuss the future of Graysin Motion, Stacy hears something upstairs....of course she has to check it out, expecting to see one of her instructors that had forgotten something. Wrong. She finds Rafe, dead. Not only is this horrible because, hey, he's dead, but Stacy finds out that Rafe changed his will and did NOT leave his half of Graysin Motion to her like he was supposed to! Now, Stacy has to figure out who the murderer is because the local PD has her as the #1 suspect, but she also has to try and figure out a way to get control of Rafe's half of the studio!
FULL REVIEW here!
Rafe is acting extremely odd, and Stacy really wants to know why. She chases down a limo that she has seen Rafe get into before, but gets nothing for her trouble except almost being run over. Planning on meeting with Rafe to ask him what's going on, and to discuss the future of Graysin Motion, Stacy hears something upstairs....of course she has to check it out, expecting to see one of her instructors that had forgotten something. Wrong. She finds Rafe, dead. Not only is this horrible because, hey, he's dead, but Stacy finds out that Rafe changed his will and did NOT leave his half of Graysin Motion to her like he was supposed to! Now, Stacy has to figure out who the murderer is because the local PD has her as the #1 suspect, but she also has to try and figure out a way to get control of Rafe's half of the studio!
FULL REVIEW here!
February 6, 2017
The blurb about the author, Ella Barrick reassured me that I did not have to be a ballroom dancing fanatic to enjoy Quickstep to Murder. I tend to lead when I do ballroom dancing which is OK when you are learning in a group of all young girls but not OK when dancing for real!
I really enjoyed this book, I have never read anything by Ella Barrick before, now I want to read anything that she writes. The main character, Stacy Graysin is a ballroom dancer competitor and teaches different types of dancing in the Grayson Motion studio. She owns half of the studio and the other half was owned by her ex-fiance. They broke up when she walked in on him in bed with rumba dancer, Solana. Not long after that she finds Rafe, her ex-fiance lying on the carpet dead.
Stacy is a little bit too trusting and gets into situations which later cause her to wonder if they could be the killer. Detective Lissy is a bit irritating in his manner as he doesn't seem to get farther in the investigation than Stacy does by accident. There are several characters that I predict will reappear in the future books in this series. The author is clever and writes great dialogues, keeps a fast pace and your interest will not wane. I love that she mixed in some politics and fashion.
I highly recommend Quickstep to Murder for your cozy reading pleasure.
I really enjoyed this book, I have never read anything by Ella Barrick before, now I want to read anything that she writes. The main character, Stacy Graysin is a ballroom dancer competitor and teaches different types of dancing in the Grayson Motion studio. She owns half of the studio and the other half was owned by her ex-fiance. They broke up when she walked in on him in bed with rumba dancer, Solana. Not long after that she finds Rafe, her ex-fiance lying on the carpet dead.
Stacy is a little bit too trusting and gets into situations which later cause her to wonder if they could be the killer. Detective Lissy is a bit irritating in his manner as he doesn't seem to get farther in the investigation than Stacy does by accident. There are several characters that I predict will reappear in the future books in this series. The author is clever and writes great dialogues, keeps a fast pace and your interest will not wane. I love that she mixed in some politics and fashion.
I highly recommend Quickstep to Murder for your cozy reading pleasure.
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October 1, 2016Not as boring as I thought!
At the beginning of this book, I could not get into it. I do not watch "Dancing With This The Stars" so I was at a loss with all the names of the many dances that Stacey does and teaches at her studio, Graysin Motion. She was running the studio with her finance', who she had just found with one of the other student/teachers.
Everything was going fine until she found Rafe dead in the upstairs ballroom. Of course, she becomes the prime suspect!
She decides to find the killer herself. Which turns out to be the wrong thing for her to do. Her studio becomes the place everyone wants to get a hold of. Since she and Rafe owned the studio together, his will leaves his half, Stacey thinks to her. His last girlfriend thinks she gets the studio.
But surprise surprise, Rafe's half brother shows up from Argentina to claim his body and his half of the studio!
After a few more things happen to Stacey, the book actually got my attention, so I could give it a four star rating.
I really think it was worth the time to read, even though it did take me a while.
At the beginning of this book, I could not get into it. I do not watch "Dancing With This The Stars" so I was at a loss with all the names of the many dances that Stacey does and teaches at her studio, Graysin Motion. She was running the studio with her finance', who she had just found with one of the other student/teachers.
Everything was going fine until she found Rafe dead in the upstairs ballroom. Of course, she becomes the prime suspect!
She decides to find the killer herself. Which turns out to be the wrong thing for her to do. Her studio becomes the place everyone wants to get a hold of. Since she and Rafe owned the studio together, his will leaves his half, Stacey thinks to her. His last girlfriend thinks she gets the studio.
But surprise surprise, Rafe's half brother shows up from Argentina to claim his body and his half of the studio!
After a few more things happen to Stacey, the book actually got my attention, so I could give it a four star rating.
I really think it was worth the time to read, even though it did take me a while.
March 12, 2012
Stacy Graysin is living her dream of being a competitive ballroom dancer. She also owns a dance studio with her ex-finance and dance partner, Rafe. Things have not been so great since their breakup and they are both looking for new dance partners as soon as the next two competitions are over. But Stacy finds herself in need of a new partner sooner than she expects when she finds Rafe's body with a bullet in his head. As the woman scorned she is at the top of the suspect list and is determined to clear her name. Only when she starts investigating Rafe's death does she discover that his adventures did not end in the bedroom. Now her investigations have made her a target.
This was a really nice start to new cozy series. Stacy and her friends and family are interesting. The setting in DC is nice. The mystery was actually pretty good for a cozy. Stacy is pretty reckless, but so are most cozy detectives. I learned a little about dancing and dance competitions, but not too much. I will be reading the next in the series.
Other authors1
Publication date 2011
This was a really nice start to new cozy series. Stacy and her friends and family are interesting. The setting in DC is nice. The mystery was actually pretty good for a cozy. Stacy is pretty reckless, but so are most cozy detectives. I learned a little about dancing and dance competitions, but not too much. I will be reading the next in the series.
Other authors1
Publication date 2011
July 5, 2012
Stacy Graysin teaches ballroom dancing at her studio, Graysin Motion. Her partner, who also happens to be her ex-fiance, has been acting strangely. Then Stacy finds him dead in the studio one night. Now the police think they know who did it, and Stacy better figure out who the real killer is before she ends up in jail--or worse.
This book was a gift from my friend, Jenny, who knows I like cozy mysteries and that I love dance. She even had it signed by the author, who I have subsequently met. How cool is that?
This is a fun read. Stacy is smart and funny, the characters around her are interesting and there are plenty of potential suspects. The author manages to include a pretty heavy subplot without getting preachy. She also had me guessing until the end. Although I would have liked the killer to be someone who was more central throughout, it wasn't someone thrown in at the end. So thumbs up there!
I've already picked up the next book in the series, Dead Man Waltzing. Who could resist that title?
This book was a gift from my friend, Jenny, who knows I like cozy mysteries and that I love dance. She even had it signed by the author, who I have subsequently met. How cool is that?
This is a fun read. Stacy is smart and funny, the characters around her are interesting and there are plenty of potential suspects. The author manages to include a pretty heavy subplot without getting preachy. She also had me guessing until the end. Although I would have liked the killer to be someone who was more central throughout, it wasn't someone thrown in at the end. So thumbs up there!
I've already picked up the next book in the series, Dead Man Waltzing. Who could resist that title?
December 26, 2013
OK, I am far from a fan of Ballroom Dancing, but this book is by an author I like (Laura DiSilverio-not exposing any secrets...her name is on the copyright page)...so I decided to read this after I finished her Mall Cop series (read that too!) This was just great.
I am also not a big reader of "cozy" mysteries. I have read her books and the "Jessica Fletcher" books, but as you can see from my books entered here, I read Children's Literature (and review it for Kirkus Reviews among other publications)...But I found it refreshing to meet an amateur detective who had no interest in detecting anything. This first of a series of three so far has a "cozy conceit" that is necessary to the story but does not feel false in any way or put on or forced.
The characters and their relationships are authentic, the humor and dialogue realistic and the mystery was very nicely twisty--very Christie with nearly everyone having some possibility of being the murderer and several red herrings.
Well worth your time if you enjoy a good mystery...even if you could not care less about ballroom dancing.
I am also not a big reader of "cozy" mysteries. I have read her books and the "Jessica Fletcher" books, but as you can see from my books entered here, I read Children's Literature (and review it for Kirkus Reviews among other publications)...But I found it refreshing to meet an amateur detective who had no interest in detecting anything. This first of a series of three so far has a "cozy conceit" that is necessary to the story but does not feel false in any way or put on or forced.
The characters and their relationships are authentic, the humor and dialogue realistic and the mystery was very nicely twisty--very Christie with nearly everyone having some possibility of being the murderer and several red herrings.
Well worth your time if you enjoy a good mystery...even if you could not care less about ballroom dancing.
September 26, 2011
I was so very pleased that this novel was as good as I felt it might be. Being a lover of televised Ballroom dancing shows, I was enthused at this setting for a good murder mystery.
The Author put in the correct elements for me, a beautiful blond, a handsome but naughty, Latin lover, a devastating murder that will need my (the reader's) help. I was pleased to help the very likable and talented Co-owner of the dance studio, Anastasia Graysin of "Graysin Motion." I even liked that name!
You quickly realize that Stacy's partner, Rafe, although a lovable scoundrel is that, a scoundrel, and we are not too surprised at his demise. Stacy is shocked though. Why Rafe and why now? The book and Stacy takes us on a frantic search for his killer. The search is aided by Rafe's half-brother, that Stacy did not know of. He is also quite desirable, but, he has her future in his hands.
This was a great debut to a delightful new murder cozy series.
The Author put in the correct elements for me, a beautiful blond, a handsome but naughty, Latin lover, a devastating murder that will need my (the reader's) help. I was pleased to help the very likable and talented Co-owner of the dance studio, Anastasia Graysin of "Graysin Motion." I even liked that name!
You quickly realize that Stacy's partner, Rafe, although a lovable scoundrel is that, a scoundrel, and we are not too surprised at his demise. Stacy is shocked though. Why Rafe and why now? The book and Stacy takes us on a frantic search for his killer. The search is aided by Rafe's half-brother, that Stacy did not know of. He is also quite desirable, but, he has her future in his hands.
This was a great debut to a delightful new murder cozy series.
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