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High Heels #6
Fearless in High Heels
Fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer is back!
Morning sickness sucks. Which is why fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer has spent the last six weeks being a couch potato and Moonlight vampire movie devotee. But when Maddie's best friends finally convince her to venture out, Maddie stumbles on a dead body of a girl who has been bitten on the neck, and life suddenly imitates art in the most deadliest of ways. Now Maddie is smack in the middle of a murder investigation involving a deadly dance club and a coven of Hollywood "vampires". Not to mention navigating the world of baby showers, diaper genies and Lamaze classes with her LAPD Homicide detective husband who would rather his pregnant wife not continue popping up in his murder investigation. Between the hormones, the homicides, and a flurry of fangs, Maddie and her gang work to track down the deadly truth... before the killer bites again!
Morning sickness sucks. Which is why fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer has spent the last six weeks being a couch potato and Moonlight vampire movie devotee. But when Maddie's best friends finally convince her to venture out, Maddie stumbles on a dead body of a girl who has been bitten on the neck, and life suddenly imitates art in the most deadliest of ways. Now Maddie is smack in the middle of a murder investigation involving a deadly dance club and a coven of Hollywood "vampires". Not to mention navigating the world of baby showers, diaper genies and Lamaze classes with her LAPD Homicide detective husband who would rather his pregnant wife not continue popping up in his murder investigation. Between the hormones, the homicides, and a flurry of fangs, Maddie and her gang work to track down the deadly truth... before the killer bites again!
301 pages, ebook
First published November 21, 2011
241 people are currently reading
1567 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Halliday
95 books1,890 followersGemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.
Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 29, 2011
I love Gemma Halliday and her High Heels series. It's my favorite girly, cozy mystery series by far. Gemma can be cheesy at times, but she's also quite funny. I think as far as chick-lit goes she's an excellent writer. If this is the type of book I'm in the mood for Gemma is my go to girl.
I didn't know the High Heels series was going to continue to be honest. I was glad to see it did, though, and once again was able to jump right back in to the mystery and suspense with Maddie! I adore her best friends Dana and Marco so I was glad to see them along for the ride again. Maddie is pregnant, but don't think that stops her from her usual antics. Fun, fast paced, and pretty short, but Fearless was a great addition to the series.
I didn't know the High Heels series was going to continue to be honest. I was glad to see it did, though, and once again was able to jump right back in to the mystery and suspense with Maddie! I adore her best friends Dana and Marco so I was glad to see them along for the ride again. Maddie is pregnant, but don't think that stops her from her usual antics. Fun, fast paced, and pretty short, but Fearless was a great addition to the series.
May 19, 2020
Fun!
These books are just fun! I like Maddie and all the situations she gets herself into. The vampire craze kind of dates the book but is still a fun plot line. Can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Maddie gets into next. #readforkimberly
These books are just fun! I like Maddie and all the situations she gets herself into. The vampire craze kind of dates the book but is still a fun plot line. Can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Maddie gets into next. #readforkimberly
March 17, 2013
I'm trying to decide if the killer revealing themselves because Maddie and her friends are "getting too close", even though they are nowhere near figuring out who the killer really is, is getting tiresome or is still amusing . . . So far, still amusing, in a Scooby-Doo kind of way.
Randomly, Dana thinking her boyfriend wouldn't sign on to do a sequel to a popular movie because a business venture he barely owns a part of does good, kind of annoyed me because of it's ridiculousness. As if that would be his deciding factor against taking a high paying movie job. It was all to serve as motivation, but again Maddie's compassion for complete, and sometimes rude strangers, is really motivation enough for me. Not to mention makes her character very likeable despite other eye-rolling 'faults'. *cough*Ramirez*cough*
Alas, it's been two short-stories and one full novel since we've seen, or even heard of, Felix. Though, however much I like him(and I do), Maddie not ending up with him doesn't irritate me as much when he's not around for the author to rub it in our faces. =P
Almost forgot, though I've never been pregnant myself, even I'm not as clueless as Maddie appears. It was too eye-rolling to even get the laughs that were intended by her cluelessness.
Randomly, Dana thinking her boyfriend wouldn't sign on to do a sequel to a popular movie because a business venture he barely owns a part of does good, kind of annoyed me because of it's ridiculousness. As if that would be his deciding factor against taking a high paying movie job. It was all to serve as motivation, but again Maddie's compassion for complete, and sometimes rude strangers, is really motivation enough for me. Not to mention makes her character very likeable despite other eye-rolling 'faults'. *cough*Ramirez*cough*
Alas, it's been two short-stories and one full novel since we've seen, or even heard of, Felix. Though, however much I like him(and I do), Maddie not ending up with him doesn't irritate me as much when he's not around for the author to rub it in our faces. =P
Almost forgot, though I've never been pregnant myself, even I'm not as clueless as Maddie appears. It was too eye-rolling to even get the laughs that were intended by her cluelessness.
November 10, 2014
I love Maddie and the high heels series, yes the books are far from perfect but they are entertaining and Fearless in high heels is no exception.
A fun, fast and at times a rather silly read.
A fun, fast and at times a rather silly read.
August 31, 2017
This book was a 180 from the previous books and not in a good way. Maddie is expecting and nobody is happy about that other than her and Det. Ramirez. Maddie's BFFs are either calling her fat or trying to get Maddie to return to her single and carefree days, especially Dana. Dana has no problem asking Maddie to go undercover with her or go to Dana's boyfriend's new nightclub. Dana has no problem putting Maddie and the bump in peril; considering how the previous books ended, Maddie faced at least one physical confrontation or blow to the back of her head. But Dana didn't care about that - Dana's jealousy over her boyfriend's acting success and his work with hot young actresses made her crazy and she pulled Maddie into her craziness. I don't think Dana is ready to share Maddie with a husband or the kid.
Maddie's mother was just a bitch to Maddie throughout the book. Mother feared Maddie wasn't ready for parenthood due to being an only child and that Maddie would be an unfit parent. The stupid baby doll was just a dumb prop. The baby shower seemed really pointless and not well thought out with taking in consideration Maddie's preferences or needs.
The mystery was okay (an ode to Twilight), but I didn't like how Maddie put herself and her child in peril just because Dana was having a jealousy fit. Luckily Jack and the stupid baby doll came to the rescue in time. I think Jack should have sat Dana down and read her the riot act for what she did to Maddie.
Maddie's mother was just a bitch to Maddie throughout the book. Mother feared Maddie wasn't ready for parenthood due to being an only child and that Maddie would be an unfit parent. The stupid baby doll was just a dumb prop. The baby shower seemed really pointless and not well thought out with taking in consideration Maddie's preferences or needs.
The mystery was okay (an ode to Twilight), but I didn't like how Maddie put herself and her child in peril just because Dana was having a jealousy fit. Luckily Jack and the stupid baby doll came to the rescue in time. I think Jack should have sat Dana down and read her the riot act for what she did to Maddie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2017
אחד הספרים המוצלחים בסידרה.
מאדי ורמירז נשואים. מאדי בהריון בשבוע 22, היא מרגישה לוויתן וגם קצת דחויה כי רמירז עסוק בלהמציא תירוצים שבדכ נשים ממציאות בכדי להימנע מיחסי מין.
מעבר ליחסים בין רמירז למאדי שמשעשעים, אמא שלה מתחרפנת ומחליטה שמאדי צריכה להתאמן על בובה דמוית תינוק, היא גם מאבזרת לה את הבית באופן טוטאלי כך שיהיה בטוח לתינוקות עד כדי נעילת אסלת השירותים.
תעלומת הרצח היא הפעם פארודיה על הטירוף הערפדי. (טוב אני מודה בכנות שגם אני עברתי טירוף כזה וקראתי די הרבה ספרי ערפדים. אפילו חשבתי שערפדים הם מה זה סקסיים ושווים בסוף הצלחתי איכשהו להיגמל ולהמשיך לספרות קצת יותר רצינית) והפרק של גילוי הרוצח משעשע עד בלי די. אפילו מרקו מתעלה על עצמו ומגיע עם ערכה נגד ערפדים, מזל שהוא לא משפד את הרוצח על צלב loll.
זהו חוץ מפליקס שנעלם וחבל, הם היו צוות מוצלח, זה באמת אחד הספרים המוצלחים בסידרה.
מאדי ורמירז נשואים. מאדי בהריון בשבוע 22, היא מרגישה לוויתן וגם קצת דחויה כי רמירז עסוק בלהמציא תירוצים שבדכ נשים ממציאות בכדי להימנע מיחסי מין.
מעבר ליחסים בין רמירז למאדי שמשעשעים, אמא שלה מתחרפנת ומחליטה שמאדי צריכה להתאמן על בובה דמוית תינוק, היא גם מאבזרת לה את הבית באופן טוטאלי כך שיהיה בטוח לתינוקות עד כדי נעילת אסלת השירותים.
תעלומת הרצח היא הפעם פארודיה על הטירוף הערפדי. (טוב אני מודה בכנות שגם אני עברתי טירוף כזה וקראתי די הרבה ספרי ערפדים. אפילו חשבתי שערפדים הם מה זה סקסיים ושווים בסוף הצלחתי איכשהו להיגמל ולהמשיך לספרות קצת יותר רצינית) והפרק של גילוי הרוצח משעשע עד בלי די. אפילו מרקו מתעלה על עצמו ומגיע עם ערכה נגד ערפדים, מזל שהוא לא משפד את הרוצח על צלב loll.
זהו חוץ מפליקס שנעלם וחבל, הם היו צוות מוצלח, זה באמת אחד הספרים המוצלחים בסידרה.
December 18, 2019
LAUGHTER AND MYSTERY IN ONE!
I choose this rating because I throughly enjoyed the book. from the first one on, this author has fully developed the main characters. Maddie, Ramariz, Dana, and Marco will keep you coming back for more! Start with number one and binge read or take your time. Either way you’ll enjoy the activities, the laughter, and the mystery! I grew up in so cal...all these locations are familiar to me..
I choose this rating because I throughly enjoyed the book. from the first one on, this author has fully developed the main characters. Maddie, Ramariz, Dana, and Marco will keep you coming back for more! Start with number one and binge read or take your time. Either way you’ll enjoy the activities, the laughter, and the mystery! I grew up in so cal...all these locations are familiar to me..
December 16, 2011
I love the character of Maddie Springer. I have read the complete High Heels series. There is nothing quite like Maddie and her detective husband Jack Ramirez and the cast of quirky characters they are involved with when she is always running into dead bodies and they all try to solve it. Of course Maddie and her friends should be staying out of the investigation which continually upsets her husband who is trying to solve the crime. I hope this isn't the last in the series. This is a fun series to read. It has laughs, adventure and fun, fun, fun.
August 17, 2015
Just finished Fearless in High Heels by Gemma Halliday. Light and fun, she always aims to please. Very similar to Evanovich's style of writing. This book was a bit quirky - with a vampire theme, however I love her characters. 3 of 5 stars
June 25, 2018
The mystery was good, fun & interesting as always, but boy Maggie is an immature twit. Maybe she always has been but it probably didn’t bother me but now that’s she’s taking on this next major role in her life I hope she grows the hell up pretty darn quick.
May 11, 2014
A fun, light hearted easy read.
July 13, 2015
Very cute and short installment in this series. Funny parts made me LOL.
August 30, 2015
Hmmm pregnant and still trying to solve murders that she consistently stumbles across? A little too much internal whining this time but I am still moving on to the next one.
August 14, 2016
Alway staying true to the series. Maddy & Dana on the hunt for another killer -This time to help Dana.... and with a pregnant Maddy.
August 28, 2014
I loved this book!
I love the characters and enjoyed this book from start to finish.
I love the characters and enjoyed this book from start to finish.
June 7, 2021
I was proud of Halliday for not writing about in extensive detail when Maddie found out she was pregnant. I actually appreciated Maddie’s “well it is what it is. Say hello to ‘The Bump.’” Attitude. Now her not being prepared, no parent ever is; and with Mom being an overly protective hawk it’s funny, yet annoying.
Having read similar novels in the romance series genre, you know that storyline: but meets girl, they fall in love, fight, get engaged (too quickly), married then are pregnant (and harped upon in way too much detail).
The cliché when the characters become pregnant is “why am I so tired or sick?” or “surprise it’s twins!” But of course, Halliday didn’t use cliche one so she opted for cliche two. To which I respond “ugh really? I had such hopes for you and you ruined it!”
Maddie doesn’t seem thrilled with one, now you’re giving her two? Plus can we talk about how irresponsible Maddie has become in this novel? You are pregnant and your running around solving a crime?! Damn girl, I’d slap you silly if I was Ramirez. Not that she needs to sit at home an knit booties, but come on. You don’t like when Ramirez doesn’t listen to you and Maddie doesn’t listen to him at all.
In short, still a good series, but it needs something new. Too predictable and now annoying.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Having read similar novels in the romance series genre, you know that storyline: but meets girl, they fall in love, fight, get engaged (too quickly), married then are pregnant (and harped upon in way too much detail).
The cliché when the characters become pregnant is “why am I so tired or sick?” or “surprise it’s twins!” But of course, Halliday didn’t use cliche one so she opted for cliche two. To which I respond “ugh really? I had such hopes for you and you ruined it!”
Maddie doesn’t seem thrilled with one, now you’re giving her two? Plus can we talk about how irresponsible Maddie has become in this novel? You are pregnant and your running around solving a crime?! Damn girl, I’d slap you silly if I was Ramirez. Not that she needs to sit at home an knit booties, but come on. You don’t like when Ramirez doesn’t listen to you and Maddie doesn’t listen to him at all.
In short, still a good series, but it needs something new. Too predictable and now annoying.
2.5 out of 5 stars
August 5, 2020
I really enjoy the series and it is not the first book by Gemma Halliday that I have read. I love the goofiness, sarcasm, and down to earth feel of the main character and others too. I love that I can laugh at one line and then have my heart racing in suspense the next moment.
The only thing that did disappoint me with this book is the comments that the main character had about her body (having gained 15 lbs due to pregnancy and considering herself a whale). It was brought up continuously through the story that the main character was putting herself down because of a little weight gain and none of the other characters seemed to reassure her that it was completely normal and she wasn’t huge.
As a person who is mid sized and not a size two... it was triggering and hurtful for me to hear that someone thinks they are disgusting and a whale because of a 15 pound weight gain. I think the author needs to be a little bit more considerate and respectful of how those things could make the readers feel. I almost stopped reading the book because I was so put off by it but thankfully the rest of the storyline kept my interest enough to finish.
The only thing that did disappoint me with this book is the comments that the main character had about her body (having gained 15 lbs due to pregnancy and considering herself a whale). It was brought up continuously through the story that the main character was putting herself down because of a little weight gain and none of the other characters seemed to reassure her that it was completely normal and she wasn’t huge.
As a person who is mid sized and not a size two... it was triggering and hurtful for me to hear that someone thinks they are disgusting and a whale because of a 15 pound weight gain. I think the author needs to be a little bit more considerate and respectful of how those things could make the readers feel. I almost stopped reading the book because I was so put off by it but thankfully the rest of the storyline kept my interest enough to finish.
January 1, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written murder mystery romantic family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Gemma Halliday (High 👡Heels 👠 Mystery book 6). Matti is pregnant with their first baby 🚼 when her girlfriend ask her out and they find themselves in the middle of a murder. It appears that she was killed by a vampire. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2023 👒😮😈🏡
Another will written murder mystery romantic family and friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Gemma Halliday (High 👡Heels 👠 Mystery book 6). Matti is pregnant with their first baby 🚼 when her girlfriend ask her out and they find themselves in the middle of a murder. It appears that she was killed by a vampire. I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading or listening to books 📚. 2023 👒😮😈🏡
October 11, 2018
Unfortunately, this is Maddie at her whiniest. "Ooh, I'm so fat! Ooh, I miss caffeine." Just got tiresome. I've enjoyed the others in the series but I really just wanted her to solve the crime so I could stop hearing her complain, while alternately letting herself be treated like a doormat by her suddenly overbearing mother and thinking her husband doesn't want her anymore because she's "so fat." Pregnant Maddie is, thus far, my least favorite Maddie.
October 21, 2019
This series is a guilty pleasure for me. Are the plots a bit overdone? Yes. Is it a bit cliche at times? Absolutely. Are the characters so much fun and super relatable? I definitely think so. And I have such a book crush on Ramirez. Can you say HOT cop? *swoon*
If you’re looking for a fun, easy read—something that lets you escape for a little while and is often laugh out loud funny—this series is a perfect fit.
If you’re looking for a fun, easy read—something that lets you escape for a little while and is often laugh out loud funny—this series is a perfect fit.
October 20, 2017
The readers win again with another fun murder mystery by Gemma Halliday! Maddie and her favorite cop are married and expecting, but that doesn't stop her from getting involved in murder investigations, much to husband's dismay. Lots of humor and the perfect book to escape into.
Caroline Shaffer does wonderfully at differentiating the different characters (and they certainly are! ).
Caroline Shaffer does wonderfully at differentiating the different characters (and they certainly are! ).
October 17, 2020
A pregnant Maddie is even more entertaining than she was in the previous books. The mystery was enjoyable, but the character interactions more so. While Maddie is so completely not ready for parenthood, she's certainly willing to meet the challenge head-on.
I don't think it is a spoiler to say my favorite line in the book was "I'm pregnant, I'm pissed, and I have to pee. I will shoot you."
I don't think it is a spoiler to say my favorite line in the book was "I'm pregnant, I'm pissed, and I have to pee. I will shoot you."
April 18, 2021
The amount of typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors were obnoxious. Get your money back if you paid someone to edit this. S/he either hates you or is incompetent.
The story itself was a bit lame and definitely lacking development. I’d call it a short story. Also, Ramirez pissed me off while Maddie enraged me at the lack of concern for her unborn child.
The story itself was a bit lame and definitely lacking development. I’d call it a short story. Also, Ramirez pissed me off while Maddie enraged me at the lack of concern for her unborn child.
March 7, 2023
Twilight meets I Love Lucy with a pregnant Maddie. Does this sound like a weird mashup? Sure does, but as any fan of the High Heels series by Gemma Halliday knows it will be fun with lots of action and humor.
As usual, the narrator Caroline Shaffer does an excellent job.
As usual, the narrator Caroline Shaffer does an excellent job.
January 25, 2017
Maddie and her gang have managed to get themselves involved in another murder.
I love this series as it is funny but also quirky at times, makes me laugh and also try to figure out who the killer is.
The baby calling a bump or just pointing to her stomach is annoying. Maddie is pregnant in this book which I am ok with. It is the clueless of her about having a baby and how at times she won't really refer to being pregnant but just kind of point to her midsection and call it the bump. Very annoying not to mention her behavior towards it--no caffeine as she has read it is bad for baby but thwn going to a loud music blaring club? What the heck?
The good--the story. Dana is still dating Ricky and he is part owner of this new hot club Crush. Dana and Maddie go to check it out and Maddie comes across some who died. Looks like from a vampire because of the bite marks on the neck. Against Ramariz telling Maddie to not get involved she does as her and her gang think the vampire angle should be investigated. Sebastian host vampire theme parties and Maddie and gang are convinced that is what ties it all together. With a lot of eye rolling going on and the multiple stops to pee due to the baby Maddie and gang are determined to find out who the killer is.
I really enjoy this seties and can't wait to read the next book in line as I am sure Maddie will have her baby. Wondering how she will track a killer and handle motherhood and baby at the same time. Keep the books coming.
I love this series as it is funny but also quirky at times, makes me laugh and also try to figure out who the killer is.
The baby calling a bump or just pointing to her stomach is annoying. Maddie is pregnant in this book which I am ok with. It is the clueless of her about having a baby and how at times she won't really refer to being pregnant but just kind of point to her midsection and call it the bump. Very annoying not to mention her behavior towards it--no caffeine as she has read it is bad for baby but thwn going to a loud music blaring club? What the heck?
The good--the story. Dana is still dating Ricky and he is part owner of this new hot club Crush. Dana and Maddie go to check it out and Maddie comes across some who died. Looks like from a vampire because of the bite marks on the neck. Against Ramariz telling Maddie to not get involved she does as her and her gang think the vampire angle should be investigated. Sebastian host vampire theme parties and Maddie and gang are convinced that is what ties it all together. With a lot of eye rolling going on and the multiple stops to pee due to the baby Maddie and gang are determined to find out who the killer is.
I really enjoy this seties and can't wait to read the next book in line as I am sure Maddie will have her baby. Wondering how she will track a killer and handle motherhood and baby at the same time. Keep the books coming.
September 13, 2017
3.5 stars
January 18, 2021
Gemma Halliday is a great writer, I couldn't put the book down until I finished it.
Its a combination of romance, suspense, non stop action, its like a Rollercoaster full of excitement.
Its a combination of romance, suspense, non stop action, its like a Rollercoaster full of excitement.
August 16, 2022
The vampire angle was very fun. As many as these as I've read, I finally guessed the killer early on. Nailed it!
January 11, 2024
This one not so good
Another flop, I can't get past the pregnant Maddie running around looking for a vampire killer. Ramirez barely
got angry with her. Just missed the mark for me.
Another flop, I can't get past the pregnant Maddie running around looking for a vampire killer. Ramirez barely
got angry with her. Just missed the mark for me.
September 24, 2012
Helen for Big Book Little Book
Please note that this review contains spoilers for the previous books in this series.
I have been avid follower of this series since I picked the first one for free on my Kindle. The box set followed next and then the novella, so I was excited to see that a new one arrived last year. It has taken me a while to get around to reading it however!
The series centres on Maddie Springer who is, to be frank, a little ditzy. She is a proper girlie girl, into clothes and a shoe designer herself. She has a penchant for junk food, often fails to meet deadlines and would rather be shopping than having a workout. I think she is a fabulous character. She lives in LA and as a Brit she and her friends highlight all those things that you imagine LA would be like with fast cars, celebrities and slightly barmy (in a nice way) Americans! In the first novel Maddie’s boyfriend disappears and is accused of murder. Maddie is determined to clear his name and embarks on a little amateur sleuthing. This leads to her always being in the right place at the wrong time (or the other way around!) and being accidently and peculiarly quite good at solving mysteries. Her theories are wacky and and her methods totally unorthodox, often she goes on off on what seems to be completely the wrong tangent but the ensuing antics are wonderful to behold. Well, that is unless you are local homicide cop Ramierez, who is the hottest cop on the planet and finds Maddie’s interference annoying (to say the least) but possibly in an attractive kind of way…!
So now we are seven books down the line and in spite of everything Maddie has solved a number of cases and won over Ramierez in the process. They are finally happily hitched and in this story Maddie is expecting their first baby. This gives rise to a lot of humour with her crazy Mom trying to prepare Maddie for motherhood; Maddie sticks the baby doll she is supposed to be practicing with in her handbag most of the time.
The mystery is as crazy as ever and as Maddie is pregnant there is a greater need than usual to suspend your disbelief about some of the situations she gets herself into. However the cast of minor characters are as good as ever. Dana, Maddie’s best friend and her boyfriend (a movie star) continue to spur Maddie on. I loved the vampire twist with a little finger pointing at a well-known set of vampire stories.
Verdict:This is not the best of the series however it is still an enjoyable scramble through Maddie’s capers and there are some great moments. It still kept me turning the pages, but more due to Maddie’s scrapes than the mystery this time. I would highly recommend that you start with the first one of the series (Spying in High Heels) to see if it’s for you.
Please note that this review contains spoilers for the previous books in this series.
I have been avid follower of this series since I picked the first one for free on my Kindle. The box set followed next and then the novella, so I was excited to see that a new one arrived last year. It has taken me a while to get around to reading it however!
The series centres on Maddie Springer who is, to be frank, a little ditzy. She is a proper girlie girl, into clothes and a shoe designer herself. She has a penchant for junk food, often fails to meet deadlines and would rather be shopping than having a workout. I think she is a fabulous character. She lives in LA and as a Brit she and her friends highlight all those things that you imagine LA would be like with fast cars, celebrities and slightly barmy (in a nice way) Americans! In the first novel Maddie’s boyfriend disappears and is accused of murder. Maddie is determined to clear his name and embarks on a little amateur sleuthing. This leads to her always being in the right place at the wrong time (or the other way around!) and being accidently and peculiarly quite good at solving mysteries. Her theories are wacky and and her methods totally unorthodox, often she goes on off on what seems to be completely the wrong tangent but the ensuing antics are wonderful to behold. Well, that is unless you are local homicide cop Ramierez, who is the hottest cop on the planet and finds Maddie’s interference annoying (to say the least) but possibly in an attractive kind of way…!
So now we are seven books down the line and in spite of everything Maddie has solved a number of cases and won over Ramierez in the process. They are finally happily hitched and in this story Maddie is expecting their first baby. This gives rise to a lot of humour with her crazy Mom trying to prepare Maddie for motherhood; Maddie sticks the baby doll she is supposed to be practicing with in her handbag most of the time.
The mystery is as crazy as ever and as Maddie is pregnant there is a greater need than usual to suspend your disbelief about some of the situations she gets herself into. However the cast of minor characters are as good as ever. Dana, Maddie’s best friend and her boyfriend (a movie star) continue to spur Maddie on. I loved the vampire twist with a little finger pointing at a well-known set of vampire stories.
Verdict:This is not the best of the series however it is still an enjoyable scramble through Maddie’s capers and there are some great moments. It still kept me turning the pages, but more due to Maddie’s scrapes than the mystery this time. I would highly recommend that you start with the first one of the series (Spying in High Heels) to see if it’s for you.
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