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Domestic Equalizers #5
Curing the Blues with a New Pair of Shoes
Elvis has left the building . . . and his shoes have followed suit! No holiday in tiny Salt Lick, Texas, is more revered than January 8th—Elvis's birthday! To commemorate the grand occasion, Hogg's Drive-In—where the King enjoyed many a burger on the road to fame and fortune—is displaying an “actual” pair of Elvis's blue suede shoes. That is, until some heel without a soul swipes them right out of their display case. Debbie Sue Overstreet and Edwina Perkins-Martin—the shoe-loving Domestic Equalizers—are shocked that someone would perpetrate such a dastardly crime. So the plucky detecting duo agrees to help the town's inept sheriff track down the royal blue loafers. And being majestic multitaskers, the ladies might even be able to squeeze in some matchmaking as well. Mix-ups, mayhem, the threat of gunplay, and shocking octogenarian secrets revealed—it's all in a day's work for the Domestic Equalizers, the two best friends whose motto Don't get mad . . . get evide
291 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2009
20 people are currently reading
398 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 2, 2018
The Domestic Equalizers are on the job and this time they are looking for stolen Blue Suede Shoes. (Yes, those shoes.)
It’s an Elvis Presley fun fest with parades, sock hops and impersonators. Add to that the romantic stories of a reporter that looks like Faith Hill and a handsome sports reporter, and an older romance between The King of Rock and Roll and a certain Salt Lick resident. A little “Love Me Tender.”
This was a fun book to read that paid homage to a great singer. (In case you can’t tell, I’m a HUGE Elvis fan. I have made the pilgrimage to Graceland. I’m that cool. 😎 hahah!)
It’s an Elvis Presley fun fest with parades, sock hops and impersonators. Add to that the romantic stories of a reporter that looks like Faith Hill and a handsome sports reporter, and an older romance between The King of Rock and Roll and a certain Salt Lick resident. A little “Love Me Tender.”
This was a fun book to read that paid homage to a great singer. (In case you can’t tell, I’m a HUGE Elvis fan. I have made the pilgrimage to Graceland. I’m that cool. 😎 hahah!)
December 19, 2010
"Dixie Cash" is actually the writing team of sisters Pam Cumbie and Jeffery McClanahan (yes, you read that right, her name is Jeffery!). They started out a few years back and I've enjoyed all their books, so when I saw they had this one out, I knew I had to pick it up. Before you start any of their Domestic Equalizer series, be warned - these are NOT high-brow literature. If you enjoy a cute, quick, slightly romantic read, however, they'll be right up your alley.
The "case" this time is a bit on the thin side, though, barely taking up any time. Debbie Sue and Edwina are rather more involved in setting up two reporters who have hit town for the Elvis festivities. Young Avery Deaton is looking to move into more serious reporting, and she's hoping this Elvis gig will be her ticket to the big leagues. Sam Carter, a rookie sports reporter (but a seasoned veteran from another market in another state), has also been assigned to Salt Lick; he's hoping to get a killer story out of Caleb Crawford's family (Caleb being a football wunderkind). As soon as the Domestic Duo meet both of these journalists, they just know they have to hook them up.
The book is cute as usual, and the sisters certainly have a flair for capturing all thing Texan. The romance moves along nicely, although it is pretty cliche. Perhaps my biggest complaint about this entry is the lack of the significant others: Buddy Overstreet, Debbie Sue's hubby, isn't seen at all, only making the occasional phone appearance (he's on a case for the Texas Rangers). And Edwina's hubby isn't seen much either. Their absence is a real loss because while the crazy investigators are fun together doing their thing, they really shine in the presence of their men. Hopefully D.C. will "fix" this oversight in their next book.
Good fun fairly clean reading, nothing too taxing - a definite hammock or beach-side book!
The "case" this time is a bit on the thin side, though, barely taking up any time. Debbie Sue and Edwina are rather more involved in setting up two reporters who have hit town for the Elvis festivities. Young Avery Deaton is looking to move into more serious reporting, and she's hoping this Elvis gig will be her ticket to the big leagues. Sam Carter, a rookie sports reporter (but a seasoned veteran from another market in another state), has also been assigned to Salt Lick; he's hoping to get a killer story out of Caleb Crawford's family (Caleb being a football wunderkind). As soon as the Domestic Duo meet both of these journalists, they just know they have to hook them up.
The book is cute as usual, and the sisters certainly have a flair for capturing all thing Texan. The romance moves along nicely, although it is pretty cliche. Perhaps my biggest complaint about this entry is the lack of the significant others: Buddy Overstreet, Debbie Sue's hubby, isn't seen at all, only making the occasional phone appearance (he's on a case for the Texas Rangers). And Edwina's hubby isn't seen much either. Their absence is a real loss because while the crazy investigators are fun together doing their thing, they really shine in the presence of their men. Hopefully D.C. will "fix" this oversight in their next book.
Good fun fairly clean reading, nothing too taxing - a definite hammock or beach-side book!
March 25, 2010
OK, so these books have to be just as representative of Texas as Stephanie Plum is of New Jersey, but this series still makes me happy as I read the improbable adventures of Debbie Sue and Edwina in keeping Salt Lick safe for livin."
October 29, 2024
Another great adventure with Debbie Sue and Edwina. I loved that the whole book was Elvis themed with lots of comedy, misadventures and the same quirky town folk we have met in previous books. The romance in this book revolves around two reporters who are sent to cover the Elvis event.
Also a senior citizen in town has a story from her past that is AMAZING. This factors into the mystery and the HEA. Think outside the box and enjoy a great story with lots of laughs.
Also a senior citizen in town has a story from her past that is AMAZING. This factors into the mystery and the HEA. Think outside the box and enjoy a great story with lots of laughs.
October 29, 2024
Another great adventure with Debbie Sue and Edwina. I loved that the whole book was Elvis themed with lots of comedy, misadventures and the same quirky town folk we have met in previous books. The romance in this book revolves around two reporters who are sent to cover the Elvis event.
Also a senior citizen in town has a story from her past that is AMAZING. This factors into the mystery and the HEA. Think outside the box and enjoy a great story with lots of laughs.
Also a senior citizen in town has a story from her past that is AMAZING. This factors into the mystery and the HEA. Think outside the box and enjoy a great story with lots of laughs.
January 23, 2019
I thought this book was slower to pick up than the other 3 books I have read in the series, but still entertaining and I loved the ending.
Salt Lick, Texas is celebrating Elvis Presley's birthday and his famous blue suede shoes are on display at Hogg's Drive in (only $5 to see). At least they would be until someone steals them. Loopy sheriff Billie Don and Deputy Harry spend 2 full days taking down the licence plate numbers of all the cars in town for the festivities - only the numbers. They don't realize that those numbers won't be much help without also taking down the state and make of car. People have come in from all over the country to participate in the Elvis look-alike contest (prize of $1.000), see the Elvis Fliers, attend the sock hop, watch the parade, etc. Obviously Sheriff Billy Don is not up to the job of catching the thief, and the Domestic Equalizers are called in to do the job.
Edwina and Debbie Sue match make to get together two reporters from the Dallas area.
Salt Lick, Texas is celebrating Elvis Presley's birthday and his famous blue suede shoes are on display at Hogg's Drive in (only $5 to see). At least they would be until someone steals them. Loopy sheriff Billie Don and Deputy Harry spend 2 full days taking down the licence plate numbers of all the cars in town for the festivities - only the numbers. They don't realize that those numbers won't be much help without also taking down the state and make of car. People have come in from all over the country to participate in the Elvis look-alike contest (prize of $1.000), see the Elvis Fliers, attend the sock hop, watch the parade, etc. Obviously Sheriff Billy Don is not up to the job of catching the thief, and the Domestic Equalizers are called in to do the job.
Edwina and Debbie Sue match make to get together two reporters from the Dallas area.
May 16, 2017
I actually picked up this book because I thought the title of another of authors' books had a fun title, I Can't Make You Love Me but I Can Make You Leave. This one preceded it in the series so I thought why not.
The series follows two women who own a detective agency in a small town in Texas. They've been at it for a while, this is book #5, and one of them sweeps up footprints tracked through spilled flour at the scene of the crime. I guess I was not in the mood to read about some wacky woman screwing up while eating donuts.
The series follows two women who own a detective agency in a small town in Texas. They've been at it for a while, this is book #5, and one of them sweeps up footprints tracked through spilled flour at the scene of the crime. I guess I was not in the mood to read about some wacky woman screwing up while eating donuts.
June 17, 2018
Fun story...especially if you’re from Texas!
January 25, 2018
As a major Elvis fan, I have to say that I loved this book!! It’s the week of Elvis’s birthday and the small town of Salt Lick, Texas is having an Elvis birthday celebration featuring a pair of his famed blue suede shoes. Problem is, they disappear before the festivities start. Without giving too much away, it’s a hilarious story that had me laughing out loud the entire time and wishing I was there. I didn’t want the book to end, but the ending was a sweet tribute to the King and left me with a smile. If you like stories set in Texas and/or Elvis, you’ll enjoy this book!!
September 8, 2019
books cover description grossly misrepresents story.
April 11, 2023
audiobook format
Foul language could not overcome the storyline.
Foul language could not overcome the storyline.
August 31, 2023
A fun read with a hint of romance.
November 4, 2024
I really wanted to like this book more. I’ve read other Dixie Cash books and loved them but just couldn’t get into this one…
November 28, 2024
This book is NOT a mystery
It starts as a mystery
But it is a romance book
It starts as a mystery
But it is a romance book
August 31, 2018
Below is my review from 8 years ago and my first listen. It still stands. Not as good as the rest I've read, but I still enjoyed my time with it.
I can definitely recommend this author, this book and this series.
****************
I didn't think this one was as good as the past books in the series have been, but it was still highly enjoyable. I do love the colorful language, the cocktails, the matchmaking, the mystery and definitely the characters. The combination of the Dixie Cash writing team and the delightful Peggity Price giving voice to Debbie Sue and Edwina is winning one fer shure.
I know the formula by now, there is a new girl character, a new boy character, new boy and new girl tussle and eventually get together with the help of Debbie Sue and Edwina.
There is a mystery to solve, sometimes things get a little out of hand, but it all works out. A Texas cozy mystery of the finest kind.
Elvis Presley visited Salt Lick back in the day when he was 19, he was given a pair of blue suede shoes. This famous pair of shoes eventually makes its way back to Salt Lick in time for the annual birthday celebration held each 9 January. Said famous shoes go missing from the diner where the celebration will be held and Debbie Sue and Edwina are on the case. Especially since the sheriff is a clueless goober. He's ineptitude is funny to listen to and listening to Debbie Sue control her temper and steer him in the right direction is priceless.
Four thank you, thank you very much beans.....
I can definitely recommend this author, this book and this series.
****************
I didn't think this one was as good as the past books in the series have been, but it was still highly enjoyable. I do love the colorful language, the cocktails, the matchmaking, the mystery and definitely the characters. The combination of the Dixie Cash writing team and the delightful Peggity Price giving voice to Debbie Sue and Edwina is winning one fer shure.
I know the formula by now, there is a new girl character, a new boy character, new boy and new girl tussle and eventually get together with the help of Debbie Sue and Edwina.
There is a mystery to solve, sometimes things get a little out of hand, but it all works out. A Texas cozy mystery of the finest kind.
Elvis Presley visited Salt Lick back in the day when he was 19, he was given a pair of blue suede shoes. This famous pair of shoes eventually makes its way back to Salt Lick in time for the annual birthday celebration held each 9 January. Said famous shoes go missing from the diner where the celebration will be held and Debbie Sue and Edwina are on the case. Especially since the sheriff is a clueless goober. He's ineptitude is funny to listen to and listening to Debbie Sue control her temper and steer him in the right direction is priceless.
Four thank you, thank you very much beans.....
Read
July 7, 2010Curing the Blues with a New Pair of Shoes, by Dixie Cash, B. narrated by Peggity Price, produced by Recorded Books, downloaded from audible.com.
The fifth in the Domestic Equalizers/Style Station books with Debbie Sue Overstreet and Edwina Perkins-Martin off on another case and also matching up new friends. Saltlick Texas is having an Elvis festival to which all kinds of Elvis impersonators are expected to come. And some anonymous person, supposedly from a museum, offers to lend them for this festival Elvis Presley’s blue suede shoes. But the day the festival opens, the blue suede shoes disappear. Debbie Sue and Edwina get the idea to put an old pair of Edwina’s husband’s slippers in there while they quietly look for the real shoes. People go through the exhibit paying $5.00 apiece to see the shoes and don’t realize they aren’t the real thing. In addition to all of this, two journalists from opposing papers, both young, one a man and one a woman, both beautiful, of course, come to town to cover the festivities. Debbie Sue and Edwina are up to their usual tricks-looking for the shoes, and matchmaking. This is, as are the others, a very funny book. However, this one in some ways was a little too sweet. No murders, and too many alleged Elvis sightings. It went just over the edge to too cozy for me, but I’ll keep reading these books anyway because they’re hilarious. And Peggity Price does all the Texas accents so well.
The fifth in the Domestic Equalizers/Style Station books with Debbie Sue Overstreet and Edwina Perkins-Martin off on another case and also matching up new friends. Saltlick Texas is having an Elvis festival to which all kinds of Elvis impersonators are expected to come. And some anonymous person, supposedly from a museum, offers to lend them for this festival Elvis Presley’s blue suede shoes. But the day the festival opens, the blue suede shoes disappear. Debbie Sue and Edwina get the idea to put an old pair of Edwina’s husband’s slippers in there while they quietly look for the real shoes. People go through the exhibit paying $5.00 apiece to see the shoes and don’t realize they aren’t the real thing. In addition to all of this, two journalists from opposing papers, both young, one a man and one a woman, both beautiful, of course, come to town to cover the festivities. Debbie Sue and Edwina are up to their usual tricks-looking for the shoes, and matchmaking. This is, as are the others, a very funny book. However, this one in some ways was a little too sweet. No murders, and too many alleged Elvis sightings. It went just over the edge to too cozy for me, but I’ll keep reading these books anyway because they’re hilarious. And Peggity Price does all the Texas accents so well.
February 17, 2017
Debbie Sue and Edwina save Elvis's blue suede shoes.
December 26, 2015
This was an enjoyable book....the last couple of chapters and the epilogue were my favorite part! I love the idea about Elvis Presley that was worked in!
As with each book prior...it moved slow for me. But they were good books, I laughed aloud and enjoyed them. I think I like Edwina and her outspoken attitude the most! I feel like her character has become much louder since the earlier books and Debbie Sue has become more low key.
The mystery while different and lasting the entire book didn't seem to be the big part of this story...the romance seemed to over-ride it. I actually at many points forgot that there was even a mystery in this book. It seemed to come up again towards the end and there was a rush to solve it all of a sudden. The answer was kind of a surprise but not entirely, it crossed my mind a time or two that the thief could be the person that it actually turned out to be. So there was some surprise in how it was solved but not a shock like it was in book four when the villian turned out to be a law enforcement man.
I did enjoy Sam and Avery, the romantic couple in this book. I especially enjoyed how the story of their relationship was continued in the epilogue so we were able to see where things went with them.
As with each book prior...it moved slow for me. But they were good books, I laughed aloud and enjoyed them. I think I like Edwina and her outspoken attitude the most! I feel like her character has become much louder since the earlier books and Debbie Sue has become more low key.
The mystery while different and lasting the entire book didn't seem to be the big part of this story...the romance seemed to over-ride it. I actually at many points forgot that there was even a mystery in this book. It seemed to come up again towards the end and there was a rush to solve it all of a sudden. The answer was kind of a surprise but not entirely, it crossed my mind a time or two that the thief could be the person that it actually turned out to be. So there was some surprise in how it was solved but not a shock like it was in book four when the villian turned out to be a law enforcement man.
I did enjoy Sam and Avery, the romantic couple in this book. I especially enjoyed how the story of their relationship was continued in the epilogue so we were able to see where things went with them.
Read
July 12, 2016Debbie Sue and Edwina are forty-something best friends and co-owners of two businesses (the Styling Station beauty salon, and Domestic Equalizers private investigation service) in the tiny town of Salt Lick in Western Texas. Curing the Blues with a New Pair of Shoes opens with the disappearance of a pair of blue suede shoes that the town of Salt Lick had borrowed for the town’s annual Elvis celebration. Debbie Sue and Edwina must play matchmaker with the two reporters that have come to town to cover the celebration-Faith Hill look-a-like Avery and handsome Sam-so that the two won’t find out about the missing shoes.
Curing the Blues with a New Pair of Shoes does not bring the laughs advertised in the author biography or book jacket. The events of the book felt contrived and the inciting incident (the missing shoes) is not enough to hold the reader’s attention, even though the mystery of the shoes eventually comes to a satisfying conclusion. The love story between Avery and Sam feels cliché and forced. The strength of Curing the Blues with a New Pair of Shoes is its larger-than-life portrayal of the colorful culture and characters in a tiny Texas town.
Curing the Blues with a New Pair of Shoes does not bring the laughs advertised in the author biography or book jacket. The events of the book felt contrived and the inciting incident (the missing shoes) is not enough to hold the reader’s attention, even though the mystery of the shoes eventually comes to a satisfying conclusion. The love story between Avery and Sam feels cliché and forced. The strength of Curing the Blues with a New Pair of Shoes is its larger-than-life portrayal of the colorful culture and characters in a tiny Texas town.
June 12, 2024
This one was a decent installment in their series, but I definitely don't remember much about the mystery investigating (though I remember that Maudeen stole the shoes and that they decided Elvis was still alive at the very end). But the matchmaking with the 2 characters was decent fun, and Debbie Sue and Edwina are always good for a chuckle here and there, even if they do drive me nuts on occasion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2009
I didn't realize this book was part of a series when I picked it up at the library, the cover and title just jumped out at me and I decided to give it a try. The setting is a small town in West Texas where two best friends run both a beauty shop and work as private investigators. This is the fifth mystery/crime they are solving together. Salt Lick, Texas is holding a birthday celebration for Elvis to raise money for a hamburger restaurant rumored to be among his favorite places to eat. Elvis's blue suede shoes are on display but are stolen. Debbie Sue and Edwina work with the inept sheriff and deputy to locate them, while lots of out of town visitors pour in to see the parade and festivities. There is also a love story between two reports from the Fort Worth area, Avery and Sam. This book made me laugh and was a fun read. It reminded me a bit of Stephanie Plum from Janet Evanovich's series.
April 16, 2010
It's Elvis' birthday party in Salt Lake, TX, a little town where the King devoured the hamburgers at Hogg's Drive-In and sang and loved before he became famous. A mysterious museum curator has donated the famous Blue Suede Shoes as the main exhibit in a weekend long birthday bash. Right before thousands of fans are due to descend upon the tiny town, someone swipes the Blue Suede Shoes and the Domestic Equalizers take on the task to bring the criminal to justice and replace the shoes.
Of course, they also have to ride in the parade, judge the Elvis impersonation contest, decorate the school gym for the big dance, do a little matchmaking, and keep their local sheriff from arresting innocent fans. It's a whirlwind weekend for the Equalizers and a really fun read for us.
Of course, they also have to ride in the parade, judge the Elvis impersonation contest, decorate the school gym for the big dance, do a little matchmaking, and keep their local sheriff from arresting innocent fans. It's a whirlwind weekend for the Equalizers and a really fun read for us.
December 11, 2013
I'm not gonna rate this book, due to the fact that I never finished it. I've tried really hard to finish these books. It's just that every time I think of picking up these & continuing to read, I end up instead burry my head under the covers & sleep. I'm depressed enough, I don't need books to help with that. Don't get me wrong I really like these characters ESPECIALLY Edwina! I'm just not into mysteries. I've come to think of these books as CLEAN southern mysteries. There really isn't much to the romance to be called romantic or even a Love story for my tastes. I get a lot more romance out of my historical romances than I did any of these. I thought that I could get past there not being any real romance & just enjoy Edwina, but I guess I can't. Sorry, I DID try.
March 22, 2010
This ended up being a funny, pleasing book - although for the first 50 pages I had my doubts. Even though this is book 5 in a series, it was easy to follow the action, and no real backstory was required to understand the main characters. Most of the incidental characters were cardboard caricatures, and one in particular was so spectacularly stupid that it kept pulling me out of the story.
However, it did have the requisite happily-ever-after for both the romance and the "mystery" that the Domestic Equalizers had to solve.
1 down, 4 to go for this year's contest....
However, it did have the requisite happily-ever-after for both the romance and the "mystery" that the Domestic Equalizers had to solve.
1 down, 4 to go for this year's contest....
May 6, 2011
I fell in love with the Domestic Equalizer books with the first book in the series. Number four had me wondering why. This one redeemed itself a little and I can't decide if it was because of the Elvis theme or because of Avery, the reporter from Fort Worth who comes to Salt Lick to cover the Elvis events and ends up causing a fire in the lobby of her hotel just by using the elevator. This book was a nice easy read that reminded me that friends and family is what really makes a persons world great.
December 13, 2011
Ok, the reason I bought this book because it had "shoes" in the title, and a pair of shoes on the cover. And for those of you who don't know me, I AM A SHOE WHORE and proud of it. So, go to find out that this book ISN'T about purchasing shoes, I was disappointed. The overall story was good (it even went into detail about Boise, ID where I live and the local college and a local rodeo AND the local newspaper). It had a little romance in it which I liked, but I do not think I will read the rest of the series.
February 27, 2013
Elvis is alive! At least memories of him are alive.
Debbie Sue & Edwina have been called in to assist Sheriff Billy Don finding Elvis' missing blue suede shoes that are on display for the Elvis birthday celebration. But, more importantly, Edwina is playing matchmaker with Sam, the Dallas Morning News reporter, with Avery, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter.
This is more of a romance than a mystery but it is a fun book to read. West Texas comes alive with Debbie Sue's and Edwina's escapades.
Debbie Sue & Edwina have been called in to assist Sheriff Billy Don finding Elvis' missing blue suede shoes that are on display for the Elvis birthday celebration. But, more importantly, Edwina is playing matchmaker with Sam, the Dallas Morning News reporter, with Avery, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter.
This is more of a romance than a mystery but it is a fun book to read. West Texas comes alive with Debbie Sue's and Edwina's escapades.
October 14, 2014
When Elvis first started out, he performed in many small cities and towns around the South. One place, according to this story, is that Elvis performed in Salt Lick, Texas, and made a long-lasting relationship with one of the residents, who buys him his first pair of blue suede shoes. Elvis loved the burgers at the local eatery so years later the owner organizes an Elvis birthday celebration with a pair of Elvis' blue suede shoes as the center draw to the small town's festivities. Then the shoes disappear and the local p.i.'s begin their search for the missing shoes.
August 17, 2009
What a way to end my summer reading, with my favorite author!! This book took me literally 24 hours! It is a silly, over the top, total generalization of Texas that I toatlly enjoyed. It is more of a reality show, following Debbie Sue and Edwina through their daily lives and the messes they make, than a who done it.
Love the mysterious character introduced at the end! Who doesn't love a book about Elvis' shoes!
Thank ya' Thank ya' very much Dixie Cash!
Love the mysterious character introduced at the end! Who doesn't love a book about Elvis' shoes!
Thank ya' Thank ya' very much Dixie Cash!
January 8, 2010
I didn't realize this was part of a series until I got to goodreads.com, there were only a few references to other mysteries the ladies had solved but they were not needed to understand the story for this book. I may pick one of the other ones up if I ever need a light, easy read.
Also, I thought it was extremely appropriate that I finished this book which had to do with an Elvis birthday on the 75th anniversary of his birthday! (1/8/10)
Also, I thought it was extremely appropriate that I finished this book which had to do with an Elvis birthday on the 75th anniversary of his birthday! (1/8/10)
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