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Lacy Steele Mysteries #2
Building Blocks of Murder
Somehow Lacy Steele has bought a building. And not just any building, but the historic Stakely Building, the pinnacle of her small downtown. In an effort to save the behemoth, she must now confront not only the displeasure of the mayor and the developers who wanted to tear it down, but her own uncertainty over how to deal with such a vast project.
To add to her confusion, Tosh's brother shows up with secrets of his own, causing Tosh to act standoffish and sullen. And now Jason is angry because Lacy throws herself into a murder that took place in her new bulding over twenty years ago. He's sure her meddling will lead to no good, and he just might be right because somewhere a killer has been hiding for twenty years, just waiting to strike again.
To add to her confusion, Tosh's brother shows up with secrets of his own, causing Tosh to act standoffish and sullen. And now Jason is angry because Lacy throws herself into a murder that took place in her new bulding over twenty years ago. He's sure her meddling will lead to no good, and he just might be right because somewhere a killer has been hiding for twenty years, just waiting to strike again.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryHumor
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2012
98 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Gray Bartal
170 books136 followersVanessa Gray Bartal is primarily a foodie who began writing when she was unable to find people willing to pay her to eat. She believes everyone deserves a happily ever after and works hard to make it happen, even in a murder mystery.
She would love to hear from you. Check out her Facebook author page for upcoming new releases, and drop her a line while you're there!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 19, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the second offering in this engaging series.
Once again, Lacy found herself involved in not only a modern-day murder but also one that had taken place twenty years earlier in the old historic building that she had just purchased. To make matters worse, one of the special men in her life was accused of the present-day murder.
Tosh's charming, handsome brother, Keegan, added another element to the story that almost made me cringe because the dreaded love triangle between Lacy, Tosh and Jason threatened to become a quadrangle. I have to admit, though, I was almost cheering for Keegan to become the one who captured Lacy's heart. But, you will have to read the book to find out what actually happened! :)
I did not guess who the real murderer was, but, suffice it to say, it was not a great shock to me that he or she was quite capable of the horrendous act.
This is a great series and one that I intend to continue with in the future. Lacy is a very likeable, relatable protagonist and I enjoy reading about her sleuthing adventures.
Once again, Lacy found herself involved in not only a modern-day murder but also one that had taken place twenty years earlier in the old historic building that she had just purchased. To make matters worse, one of the special men in her life was accused of the present-day murder.
Tosh's charming, handsome brother, Keegan, added another element to the story that almost made me cringe because the dreaded love triangle between Lacy, Tosh and Jason threatened to become a quadrangle. I have to admit, though, I was almost cheering for Keegan to become the one who captured Lacy's heart. But, you will have to read the book to find out what actually happened! :)
I did not guess who the real murderer was, but, suffice it to say, it was not a great shock to me that he or she was quite capable of the horrendous act.
This is a great series and one that I intend to continue with in the future. Lacy is a very likeable, relatable protagonist and I enjoy reading about her sleuthing adventures.
May 9, 2013
Very good. Once again, the murderer was a complete surprise to me. I'm still loving this series. I had to start the next one right away. I just hope the series is a reasonable length. So many series I love tend to go on so long that they lose everything that made me love it in the first place. I seriously hope that does not happen with this one.
February 25, 2013
Lacy Steele surprises herself by purchasing the old building in the center of town to prevent developers from building a strip mall. She spends her time trying to learn who killed the local lawyer and framed Jason. With the help of Keegan, Tosh's brother, Lacy investigates and soon discovers that a murder that occurred twenty years earlier is connected to the lawyers death. When Lacy and Keegan comes face to face with the real killer the truth is revealed. And, not every one appears to be honest about their motives. Lacy is a likable main character, with two male friends and a newly found grandpa to help her along the way. Jason, the local cop is amusing, trying to get Lacy to stop investing as their attraction ignites into fireworks. While Tosh, the local pastor wants Lacy to himself. Problem is Lacy isnt ready to get involved with a man, still having unresolved issues over Robert. Its a fun series, with each new book bringing Lacy closer to both Jason and Tosh.
July 11, 2015
This was good. I really enjoyed this book, and so much so that I had to sit right down and read the rest of the entire series, back to back! There are 8 books so far, and of them, prior to this, I had only read book one. That's right, 7 books in a row, almost in one sitting... well, except for potty and meal breaks and a few hours of sleep here and there... guess you can get the idea of my enthusiasm for Ms Bartal's work in this series... Read. This. Series. Seriously. Justreadit.
September 27, 2018
This girl is a freaking slut!
I am appalled when I read a story about women being sluts under the guise of "friendship". Can she find any more men to lead on? Calling it "friendship" does not make it any less disgusting when a woman leads on several men, getting physical with more than one.
The basic story is ok, but the man juggling she does made me quit reading. When she gets friendly with another of her "friends" brother, while then getting confronted by her still other "friend" that was it. Couldn't go any further (about page 60 ish). I read the first one, she was bouncing around in that one too, but I got this one hoping she'd pick a guy, but alas, another one entered the picture. I almost wonder if the author is actually a guy. It's written the way a guy would LIKE it to be.
If you want to read a story that is a bimbo bounce, then this is for you. It's not for me. Sorry Vanessa (If that's your real name). I'm bouncing your book.
I am appalled when I read a story about women being sluts under the guise of "friendship". Can she find any more men to lead on? Calling it "friendship" does not make it any less disgusting when a woman leads on several men, getting physical with more than one.
The basic story is ok, but the man juggling she does made me quit reading. When she gets friendly with another of her "friends" brother, while then getting confronted by her still other "friend" that was it. Couldn't go any further (about page 60 ish). I read the first one, she was bouncing around in that one too, but I got this one hoping she'd pick a guy, but alas, another one entered the picture. I almost wonder if the author is actually a guy. It's written the way a guy would LIKE it to be.
If you want to read a story that is a bimbo bounce, then this is for you. It's not for me. Sorry Vanessa (If that's your real name). I'm bouncing your book.
October 31, 2021
I like this series ... but be sure to read them in order because they pick up where the last one left off. Here again Lacy Steele (a journalist) takes on a murderer to solve a decades old crime, that is linked much too closely to the present. All the while, trying to mend her broken heart and save those she loves. Quick and easy read, with a surprise ending!!!
May 31, 2017
Fast and funny.
This installment of the Lacey Steele series has murder, suspense, murder and anal is coated in Murder. This is a book I found very hard to put down. Plot is well written and ends with the reader looking for the next story
Loved it!
This installment of the Lacey Steele series has murder, suspense, murder and anal is coated in Murder. This is a book I found very hard to put down. Plot is well written and ends with the reader looking for the next story
Loved it!
July 29, 2019
Another good one
September 23, 2021
Absolutely the best!
August 1, 2023
Light reading, entertaining.
March 26, 2013
This is the second book in a great series. I started reading these books and I think they are wonderful! For everyone who likes cozy mysteries this is a great series.
Lacy Stone finds out a secret about herself and her family in the first book. She inherits a house and a million dollars. Also in the first book she helped her grandmother get out of jail. She had been unjustly accused of murder. The way the police detective handled the case made her so upset she wrote a scathing article for the newspaper.
In this book she goes to a city council meeting about a building that is about to be torn down. She ends up buying the building to save it. It is a mixed blessing. It creates a lot of problems for Lacy. She becomes involved in a very old murder and a new murder.
You will love this book!
Lacy Stone finds out a secret about herself and her family in the first book. She inherits a house and a million dollars. Also in the first book she helped her grandmother get out of jail. She had been unjustly accused of murder. The way the police detective handled the case made her so upset she wrote a scathing article for the newspaper.
In this book she goes to a city council meeting about a building that is about to be torn down. She ends up buying the building to save it. It is a mixed blessing. It creates a lot of problems for Lacy. She becomes involved in a very old murder and a new murder.
You will love this book!
January 25, 2025
Somehow Lacy Steele has bought a building. And not just any building, but the historic Stakely Building, the pinnacle of her small downtown. In an effort to save the behemoth, she must now confront not only the displeasure of the mayor and the developers who wanted to tear it down, but her own uncertainty over how to deal with such a vast project.
To add to her confusion, Tosh's brother shows up with secrets of his own, causing Tosh to act standoffish and sullen. And now Jason is angry because Lacy throws herself into a murder that took place in her new bulding over twenty years ago. He's sure her meddling will lead to no good, and he just might be right because somewhere a killer has been hiding for twenty years, just waiting to strike again. Lacy Steele #2
To add to her confusion, Tosh's brother shows up with secrets of his own, causing Tosh to act standoffish and sullen. And now Jason is angry because Lacy throws herself into a murder that took place in her new bulding over twenty years ago. He's sure her meddling will lead to no good, and he just might be right because somewhere a killer has been hiding for twenty years, just waiting to strike again. Lacy Steele #2
Read
April 24, 2012#2 in series. Lacy Steele has purchased a historic building to save it from developers. Tosh's brother comes to town, Tosh is standoffish and Jason is upset because Lacy was critical of the way the police handled her grandmother's death. Jason is accused of murdering the lawyer who represented the developers, and arrested. A murder was committed in the building she purchased 25 years earlier and Lacy is being threatened because she is trying to clear Jason and discover who murdered the woman years earlier. The police lieutenant was guilty of both. Jason is released, Tosh's brother tell's her he is going to become a priest, Jason meets his former girlfriend and that is how it ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2012
Brought in some new characters and enhanced the personalities of people from the first book. Yes, another mystery of who done it with some love trangles to deepen the mystery. Did enjoy getting a deeper feeling for the characters carried from Book One. Getting a bit tired of the character Lacy, as she decides whom she wants to date/or begin a relationship with moves alittle slow for that. The mystery/murder part of the story did take me by surprise at the end. Am looking forward to Book Three. Want to start/finish a series and think this one can keep me going.
February 21, 2013
Murder is committed and Jason is arrested for it. Jason tells Lacy that he will be released as soon as the bullistics report comes back and says it's not his gun; when the results come back as positive everyone is shocked, especially Jason!
Lacy promises Jason she will find out the truth and also find out what it all has to do with the building that she bought.
I enjoyed the book very much and have moved on to Book #3! Can't wait to find out who Lacy finally picks to be her "one and only", and whether they will pick her still!
Lacy promises Jason she will find out the truth and also find out what it all has to do with the building that she bought.
I enjoyed the book very much and have moved on to Book #3! Can't wait to find out who Lacy finally picks to be her "one and only", and whether they will pick her still!
November 26, 2013
I am really beginning to like this character. She is a fun person with a lot going on. Another murder mystery to solve when the attorney in town is murdered. Lacey, the reporter, and millionaire has to solve the crime when they blame her friend Jason, the local police officer, is arrested. Then of course there is Tosh, the single minister and his brother Keegan. Lots of fun reading, no sex, violence or swearing. A good read. Now I will have to read book 3 and others. I do love it when I know the character from the beginning of the story.
November 24, 2012
I am liking Ms. Bartal's work. This is number 2, but I read it third by mistake. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it and it made not much difference in the reading. Well, written, good characters, mystery not obviously solved. I recommend reading these in order, as besides the mystery there is a continuing saga with the characters that connects the books, getting that out of order makes reading less than satisfactory.
July 17, 2013
book #2 in the series. As good as #1. Lacy Steele lives with her grandmother, who isn't really her grandmother and the "grandmother" is dating her real grandfather. Book 1 explains it all. In book 2 she has a trio of men seemingly interested in her. No clear winner by the end of book 2. Maybe book 3 she will know.
June 30, 2014
I am really enjoying the characters in this series. I am a bit sad that Tosh and Josh put in just a few appearances. The only bad thing I can think of is that I wished the story were longer. It seemed that the bad just just up and confessed unexpectedly, but sometimes that does happen in real life, I guess. Still, it is a great story. Looking forward to the next installment.
July 18, 2015
Good Clean Mystery
This is a great read. Vanessa Bartal has gotten better with the second book in her series. There are some typos in the e-book version, but the writing is clear and crisp. The characters are engaging and believable and the plot is plausible (implausible plots being a pet peeve of mine). This is a hit series!
This is a great read. Vanessa Bartal has gotten better with the second book in her series. There are some typos in the e-book version, but the writing is clear and crisp. The characters are engaging and believable and the plot is plausible (implausible plots being a pet peeve of mine). This is a hit series!
May 30, 2013
I keep thinking that one of the characters is going to move in a different direction. It must be the skeptic in me, thinking that people are not as they appear. I am, however, very much enjoying this series. I can't wait to start the next one
June 26, 2013
I just noticed that the others reviews were really positive but I thought this book was just so so. Lacy didn't actually do much but be annoying and was in a silly love triangle she didn't even know she was in. I just finished to see how it ended. Not really engaging for me.
November 30, 2014
Excellent
Once again I am very impressed with the excellent writing of this author. To weave the story through twists and turns and keep your attention is just fantastic! Again this is a book I would be comfortable letting my grandchildren read. Excellent!
Once again I am very impressed with the excellent writing of this author. To weave the story through twists and turns and keep your attention is just fantastic! Again this is a book I would be comfortable letting my grandchildren read. Excellent!
July 18, 2012
Again, very enjoyable characters and a easy to follow mystery. Super book for the beach or really just if you want to kick back and just enjoy an easy, quick read filled with laughs.
March 19, 2013
Wow!This was another fantastic entry in this series! The character's are fresh and exciting.The mystery very compelling.This is a must read for cozy mystery lovers.
August 31, 2013
A cozy mystery series that reminds me why I don't ever want to live in a small town. Lacy gets embroiled in another murder and another man.
June 15, 2013
Entertains light read.
July 1, 2013
A good cosy mystery
October 7, 2013
Ready for 3
November 12, 2013
Fun read. Loved Keegan!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews