What do you think?
Rate this book
Domestic Equalizers #7
I Can't Make You Love Me, but I Can Make You Leave: A Cozy Mystery with Hairdresser Sleuths – Small-Town Texas Charm Meets Country Music Murder
“Get your biscuits in the oven and your buns in the bed, ‘cuz Dixie Cash is the best good-night reading around!”—Nancy Martin, author of the Blackbird Sisters series
The Domestic Equalizers are back! Author Dixie Cash’s delightful small town Texas hairdressers-turned-sleuths take on a new case in I Can’t Make You Love Me, But I Can Make You Leave. A former Queen of Country Music, a long way from Nashville, faces a murder rap when her back-up singer and hated rival is found dead in the fading star’s dressing room—and the Equalizers (“Don’t get mad, get evidence”) must prove her innocence. At once wacky and heartfelt, Cash’s latest is a country hoot! (Publishers Weekly calls it, “one of her most entertaining cases yet.”) Fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Karin Gillespie who have yet to experience the zany delights of Dixie Cash should definitely start now!
The Domestic Equalizers are back! Author Dixie Cash’s delightful small town Texas hairdressers-turned-sleuths take on a new case in I Can’t Make You Love Me, But I Can Make You Leave. A former Queen of Country Music, a long way from Nashville, faces a murder rap when her back-up singer and hated rival is found dead in the fading star’s dressing room—and the Equalizers (“Don’t get mad, get evidence”) must prove her innocence. At once wacky and heartfelt, Cash’s latest is a country hoot! (Publishers Weekly calls it, “one of her most entertaining cases yet.”) Fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Karin Gillespie who have yet to experience the zany delights of Dixie Cash should definitely start now!
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2011
23 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Dixie Cash
17 books241 followersDixie Cash is the pen name of Texas-born sisters Pam Cumbie and Jeffery McClanahan, a dynamic duo known for their humorous, character-driven novels set in the American South. Raised in rural West Texas among a colorful cast of cowboys, cowgirls, and larger-than-life personalities, the sisters blend Pam’s zany humor with Jeffery’s dry wit to create laugh-out-loud stories full of charm and heart. Deeply rooted in the world of country western music and small-town life, their collaborative writing brings Southern flair and comedic storytelling to the page. Pam lives in the Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex, while Jeffery resides in a small town nearby.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 28, 2019
Darla Denman, a faded Nashville country singer is on a comeback tour with her ex-husband manager, Bob, and his new child bride who is supposed to be her lead-in singer. While in their dilapidated van heading for a telethon performance, they find themselves stranded in Salt Lick, Texas, with no money. Debbie Sue allows them to stay in her vacant rental home and Edwina allows them to use her husband Vic's vehicle while he is out of town.
But the show must go on. When the two back up singers bail and accept a ride from a trucker heading back to Nashville, Darla asks Debbie Sue and Edwina to step in. The women are excited about being in the show (they only have to lip sync) but their opportunity is lost when Roxie, the young wife, is found dead in her dressing room with a nail file in her throat. Darla confesses to the murder because she thinks Bob did it.
This is a job for the Domestic Equalizers! Along with their husbands, who learned after their past escapade in NYC that they can't be trusted out of town on their own, they hop a flight to Nashville to apprehend the real killer. After the usual madcap mayhem they typically find themselves in, the truth that is revealed shocks even Edwina, who thought she had heard it all.
But the show must go on. When the two back up singers bail and accept a ride from a trucker heading back to Nashville, Darla asks Debbie Sue and Edwina to step in. The women are excited about being in the show (they only have to lip sync) but their opportunity is lost when Roxie, the young wife, is found dead in her dressing room with a nail file in her throat. Darla confesses to the murder because she thinks Bob did it.
This is a job for the Domestic Equalizers! Along with their husbands, who learned after their past escapade in NYC that they can't be trusted out of town on their own, they hop a flight to Nashville to apprehend the real killer. After the usual madcap mayhem they typically find themselves in, the truth that is revealed shocks even Edwina, who thought she had heard it all.
March 2, 2019
Another great book by Dixie Cash! I absolutely love this series! Edwina and Debbie Sue are always getting themselves in trouble. This time they get wrapped up in a country singer's comeback tour. Murder is involved with so many possible suspects. And or course Debbie Sue and Edwina think they can help solve it! I love all the laugh out loud moments this series offers. This is definitely a series I will reread many times!
May 17, 2011
I read the books in this series just because the titles are so fun and the interaction between the two main characters, Debbie Sue and Edwina, makes me laugh. Some of the lines are laugh-out-loud funny.
May 5, 2011
I always enjoy anything from Dixie Cash. Fun reads in between something more intense. They are funny.
Read
September 4, 2012Great book. I really enjoyed reading once I finally had the time to sit down and read it. Good for an easy and light read.
August 2, 2013
Quick, funny summer read
October 25, 2013
I have really enjoyed the series of books from Dixie Cash. I hope the sisters will continue writing!
The expressions and the characters Debbie Sue and Edwina are hilarious.
The expressions and the characters Debbie Sue and Edwina are hilarious.
August 5, 2019
Always hilarious, Dixie Cash's cozy mysteries with a steel magnolias twist are my go to books when I need something lighthearted. This time, the Domestic Equalizers, Debbie Sue and Edwina, volunteer their services to a faded country music queen accused of murder. Debbie Sue's husband Buddy always tells them to let the professionals handle it, they never do, and they usually (always?) end up in a pickle. But somehow everything turns out all right. Dark endings are just not a Dixie Cash thing.
August 11, 2022
I love the light-hearted read her books are considering they are a mystery. Love her characters. I feel like I can walk right into Salt Lick Texas and into the beauty shop and sit down and have a few laughs with them.
June 17, 2024
Fun one as usual, but the ending felt pretty rushed on this one. I enjoyed the buildup but as the ending kept getting closer I kept wondering how it was going to wrap up. They did it fine, it just felt fast. I also guessed both twists, which was fun!
February 19, 2018
It was a lighthearted read
It ended rather abruptly. I will read another book by this author to see if they are all like this one.
It ended rather abruptly. I will read another book by this author to see if they are all like this one.
June 22, 2011
When I picked this book up I was under the mistaken impression that it was a mystery. I knew it would have comedy in, but I honestly thought it would be a funny mystery like the Stephanie Plum books. It turns out, this book is Chick-Lit. Now, if you’re a Chick-Lit lover then that’s great, but I am most definitely not. The mystery did finally crop up around page 200, but it was too late to win me over. Especially when it wasn’t even a serious mystery.
The setup for Darla and her gang was humorous, but I don’t think I found it as funny as I should have. I had a hard time liking most of the characters and found myself feeling sorry for Bob. I really don’t think pity was what the author was going for, but it was what I felt. Poor Bob was stuck cleaning up the messes of two women who didn’t care about him the way he deserved. I felt so bad for him because he spent his whole life caring for those women, and they did nothing but undervalue him and cheat on him.
I liked Debbie Sue and Edwina for the most part, but their over the top Southern-ness really started to grate on me. I know they were in Texas, but come on. Plus, Edwina was constantly “on” and snarky. It was exhausting and irritating because I just wanted her to stop and act normal for a minute. But no, it was constant jokes and zaniness and running around calling her best friend “Dippity-do”. It seems like when a book tries so hard to be zany and funny that it has the opposite effect on me and turns me off instead.
I found myself irritated by Roxie’s characterization in the book. She was so bitchy and so mean that it made the characters who felt loyal to her look like fools. If the author had given her some depth, some small trait of hidden niceness, then I could have understood how the characters could find it difficult to give up on her entirely. But there wasn’t anything like that. She was practically a caricature with her over the top divaness and how vicious she was. It made me respect the characters that put up with her less. Especially Bob.
The mystery finally made an appearance around page 200, but it still wasn’t the focus I thought it would be. There was no real investigating or intriguing clues found. Edwina and Debbie Sue just fell into the answer for the mystery and the villain helpfully spilled his/her guts. It was just disappointing all around. Plus, when I read the back of the book and thought it was a mystery I thought that the investigators would be the main characters. But it turns out that even though there were sections from their POVs, they weren’t the focus of the book. It was Darla and her crazy life and comeback that was.
I guess my main point for this review was that I thought this book was something that it wasn’t and I couldn’t help but be critical because it wasn’t. Those unmet expectations can be a killer. If you’re interested in this book and do like Chick-Lit then there’s a good chance you won’t be disappointed like I was.
Favorite Quote:
Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen.
The setup for Darla and her gang was humorous, but I don’t think I found it as funny as I should have. I had a hard time liking most of the characters and found myself feeling sorry for Bob. I really don’t think pity was what the author was going for, but it was what I felt. Poor Bob was stuck cleaning up the messes of two women who didn’t care about him the way he deserved. I felt so bad for him because he spent his whole life caring for those women, and they did nothing but undervalue him and cheat on him.
I liked Debbie Sue and Edwina for the most part, but their over the top Southern-ness really started to grate on me. I know they were in Texas, but come on. Plus, Edwina was constantly “on” and snarky. It was exhausting and irritating because I just wanted her to stop and act normal for a minute. But no, it was constant jokes and zaniness and running around calling her best friend “Dippity-do”. It seems like when a book tries so hard to be zany and funny that it has the opposite effect on me and turns me off instead.
I found myself irritated by Roxie’s characterization in the book. She was so bitchy and so mean that it made the characters who felt loyal to her look like fools. If the author had given her some depth, some small trait of hidden niceness, then I could have understood how the characters could find it difficult to give up on her entirely. But there wasn’t anything like that. She was practically a caricature with her over the top divaness and how vicious she was. It made me respect the characters that put up with her less. Especially Bob.
The mystery finally made an appearance around page 200, but it still wasn’t the focus I thought it would be. There was no real investigating or intriguing clues found. Edwina and Debbie Sue just fell into the answer for the mystery and the villain helpfully spilled his/her guts. It was just disappointing all around. Plus, when I read the back of the book and thought it was a mystery I thought that the investigators would be the main characters. But it turns out that even though there were sections from their POVs, they weren’t the focus of the book. It was Darla and her crazy life and comeback that was.
I guess my main point for this review was that I thought this book was something that it wasn’t and I couldn’t help but be critical because it wasn’t. Those unmet expectations can be a killer. If you’re interested in this book and do like Chick-Lit then there’s a good chance you won’t be disappointed like I was.
Favorite Quote:
“Ed, I don’t want you embarrassing us.”
“How could it embarrass us if I’m the one singing?”
“Because I’m the one who’ll have to beat the shit out of you and that will embarrass me.
Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen.
June 20, 2011
When someone makes a killing in the country music business, it's time to call in Debbie Sue and Edwina - the Domestic Equalizers - whose motto is, "don't get mad, get evidence." The career of former Queen of Country Music Darla Denman ain't what it used to be. No more big arenas - she's lucky to fill a barroom - and now she's forced to tour (by bus!) with the detestable Roxie Jo, current wife of Darla's manager/ex-husband. So when her rattletrap tour bus gives up the ghost outside tiny Salt Lick, Texas, the faded Nashville star's thrilled to find loyal fans (and sympathetic ears) in Debbie Sue Overstreet and Edwina Perkins-Martin. But when her nemesis and upstart backup singer Roxie Jo turns up dead in her dressing room - which bears an uncanny resemblance to a cleaning supply closet - Darla finds herself in more trouble than a Dixie Chick in merry old England. Luckily Debbie Sue and Edwina are not only the proud owners of Salt Lick's best beauty parlor but they also moonlight as private detectives! And if the Domestic Equalizers can't get to the bottom of a murderous musical mess, then no one can!
There's really not much to say about a Dixie Cash book, except sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself! I love these little escapes from the real world, and this one was like having a sleepover with great friends I haven't seen in a while. Edwina and Debbie Sue were in this one a bit more than the last book, which was great; I love their friendship, and while I like the "new" characters that are introduced in each book, these two ladies are the reason I started reading this author.
Darla Denman is wonderful, just the right amount of world-weary ex-famous person looking for a comeback. She meshed wonderfully with the Domestic Equalizers, perhaps because she's much closer in age to Debbie Sue and Edwina (I think she might be a bit older). Her ex-hubby and manager is well-written and doesn't come off like a complete idiot, which he certainly could have. The authors wisely have wisely made him very aware of his new bride's faults, and they also show him wishing that things were different, either with her or with his ex. It feels very real, and sets up a nice love-triangle of sorts.
The only thing that was disappointing was the whodunit part; I had it figured out pretty much after the prologue. Then again, I don't read these for the mystery - I read them for the humor, the friendship, and the love story. I will give the ladies credit for taking chances; there are some who probably will be unhappy with the reveal. Not me, of course, and I look forward to the next book! At least, I hope there's a next book.... this one had a "they all lived happily ever after" line in the epilogue, and that worries me. They can't stop now!
There's really not much to say about a Dixie Cash book, except sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself! I love these little escapes from the real world, and this one was like having a sleepover with great friends I haven't seen in a while. Edwina and Debbie Sue were in this one a bit more than the last book, which was great; I love their friendship, and while I like the "new" characters that are introduced in each book, these two ladies are the reason I started reading this author.
Darla Denman is wonderful, just the right amount of world-weary ex-famous person looking for a comeback. She meshed wonderfully with the Domestic Equalizers, perhaps because she's much closer in age to Debbie Sue and Edwina (I think she might be a bit older). Her ex-hubby and manager is well-written and doesn't come off like a complete idiot, which he certainly could have. The authors wisely have wisely made him very aware of his new bride's faults, and they also show him wishing that things were different, either with her or with his ex. It feels very real, and sets up a nice love-triangle of sorts.
The only thing that was disappointing was the whodunit part; I had it figured out pretty much after the prologue. Then again, I don't read these for the mystery - I read them for the humor, the friendship, and the love story. I will give the ladies credit for taking chances; there are some who probably will be unhappy with the reveal. Not me, of course, and I look forward to the next book! At least, I hope there's a next book.... this one had a "they all lived happily ever after" line in the epilogue, and that worries me. They can't stop now!
June 25, 2011
This is a murder mystery where the murder doesn't even happen until the last 1/4 of the book. Most of it is just background information about how nasty the one murdered was. There is a surprising switch at the end of the book that I didn't see coming. Probably should have but that it what I love about DIxie Cash. I get wrapped up on the humor, characters, and the witty one liners I forget about the "mystery" the Domestic Equalizers are trying to solve.
September 7, 2011
I picked this book up at the library randomly and was surprised and pleased at how much I enjoyed it.
One question, though, to those who've read it: How did the husbands know to come and rescue the "detectives" at the funeral home? I feel like a page was missing.
I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. When they got to Nashville and I totally identified with the places and locations she included.
One question, though, to those who've read it: How did the husbands know to come and rescue the "detectives" at the funeral home? I feel like a page was missing.
I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. When they got to Nashville and I totally identified with the places and locations she included.
February 17, 2017
I loved this book all the way through until the very end. The twist at the end was too bizarre for me to even wrap my head around and seemed totally unnecessary. I usually love the books in this series and I was patiently waiting for this one to come out and I am sad that I was disappointed at "who-dun-it". Hoping that the next book gets back on track!
June 20, 2011
This was a nice easy read to pass the time. Love these two women detectives running and agency and running a salon and how well they get along together. I missed the tons of laughs in this book but caught myself smiling every now and then they do some crazy things like play poker with candy bars. LOL
September 19, 2011
I love hairdressers and I love amateur sleuths and I love Southern women, but the crime to be solved in this book didn't even occur until more than two-thirds of the way through the book. And it's not like the build up to it was gripping. Disappointing.
July 22, 2012
This was my least favorite of the Domestic Equalizer books. For the most part, in my opinion, the story dragged along for the first 3/4 of the book and then the ending was rushed and not as well written as I have come to expect from the Dixie Cash sisters.
April 11, 2015
I Can't Make You Love Me, but I Can Make You Leave review
This book is another fun filled installment in the Domestic Equalizers series written by the sister duo Dixie Cash. Very entertaining stuff.
This book is another fun filled installment in the Domestic Equalizers series written by the sister duo Dixie Cash. Very entertaining stuff.
July 8, 2015
This book doesn't pretend to be a great piece of literature, but rather a quirky little easy-to-read book that is great as a summer beach read. It did serve its purpose, as I enjoyed it as a light-reading chic-lit, and found myself chuckling a couple of times.
March 20, 2016
I rarely give a book 5 stars, but I couldn't resist. This book was fresh, funny and laugh-out-loud hysterical. The mystery kept me guessing right up til the very end. Great story! I look forward to reading more books by Dixie Cash.
July 25, 2011
I just love this series. The hilarious hijinx these characters end up in is always entertaining.
July 22, 2011
I loved it! :)
May 23, 2011
I've read others by this author and enjoy them.
September 27, 2011
Not their best work. It was okay, but earlier books were better
October 3, 2011
This is a good series. this book is not as fast paced as the first 3 books.
March 5, 2016
This was cute, cute, cute. Not deep, but cute. Passed a nasty Saturday with a smile.
November 7, 2011
Good easy reading, but nothing that takes much thought!
December 26, 2011
Cute but predictable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews