Family Case of Murder

Lacy Steele Mysteries #3

by Vanessa Gray Bartal

Lacy Steele has been dispatched to the Hamptons with the tall order to make amends with her estranged sister, Riley, and her ex-fiancé, Robert. The time has come to decide which of her friends to take as her date: Tosh or Jason. As if to add to her already high stress level, she'll be spending the weekend with Robert's certifiable family, and his aunt has declared a ban on dessert.

Sugarless and forced to deal with Riley's never-ceasing drama, Robert's inappropriate advances, and his crazy family's odd behavior, Lacy thinks things can't get any worse until she becomes the suspect in a murder. Now she must unravel the clues to clear her name, but the only way to do that is to become a target herself.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Humor

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2012

About the author

Vanessa 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!

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy the continued saga and light heartedness of this story. It was interesting and many times made me chuckle at the dysfunction of Lacy's family, thinking of all dysfunctions of real life and families. How at times real life could be some of those situations. Sometimes I felt the story was taking the scenerio of the game Clue. I will be reading book four, and hoping Lacy takes/makes the decision of a committed relationship. This part of the stories is getting "old" and sickening. That part of the story needs to move on, I'm not finding this picket fence sitting appealing this far a long in the series.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying these reads, the books are very readable and the mysteries don't get too farfetched, I will say though, I gave this one three stars since I guessed Whodunnit very early in the story.
The one complaint I have is Pick the love of your life already, Lacy, gadzooks woman! I know it is a somewhat cozy, and going past kissing would take it past cozy territory, but I am really starting to feel bad for those two guys.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 2 out of 5]

After the first two books I started this one rather fast. I wanted to know more about Lacy and Jason. But... I DNF this book.

The whole Lacy/Tosh/Jason thing started to get on my nerves. Lacy would kiss Jason, go out with Tosh etc. etc. I don't think anyone should let him or herself be used like that.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have finished the first books featuring Lacy Steele. I am currently half way they the third book, but I had to stop reading it. Riley Steele is a spoiled, narcissistic brat. I can not finish the story. Lacy needs to grow a backbone and tell Riley to butt out of her life.

[P.A. Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are introduced to a wacko family in this adventure as Lacey attempts to repair bridges. Sisters, monkeys and crazy rich people.

[Mary Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure about the monkey

But I may like the monkey better than the rest of the family. Red has issues between her spoiled sister and two (or more) marvelous men in her life now. Murder is interesting, but her life is more so...

[Mrs. Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family case of murder

I’ve never enjoyed a book more, I felt I was in the middle of aBrian Rix farce, and it was so good. I don’t know how long the back and forward can go on before it loses its impetus, and I truly hope that she settles on Jason, and Pearl finds love with Tosh.

[Elaine C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery in this story was definitely better than the first 2 in this series. However, I'm getting a little tired of Lacy's indecision about choosing Jason or Tosh. I mean, she's 26 years old and finally over the "love" of her ex-fiance ... so I don't get what her confusion is all about.

[T.J. Beach · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are great fun

[Carolee DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps getting better!

[Tara Gabor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lacy Steele series is turning into a favorite of mine. Lacy Steele is a likable protagonist who attracts trouble as easily as picnics attract ants. This is the third installment for Lacy Steele, and I find the books an easy, fun distraction to more serious endeavors. The plots are well done, the characters real enough to identify with, the dialog pithy, and the pace just right. Reeling from a bad breakup, Lacy finds herself between two attractive men who both care about her. Jason and Tosh are both great guys, but the chemistry for true love definitely goes to Jason.
Vanessa Gray Bartal leaves each episode tied up neatly, introducing a new character or new wrinkle at the end. This is a well done murder mystery series, reminiscent of Murder She Wrote with a side of sexual tension, done well.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacy and Jason go to New York to attend Lacy's sister's bridal shower. Lacy doesn't want to go by herself because her sister is marrying her ex-fiance'.

The bridal shower is going to be a murder mystery game and Lacy is picked to be the murderer. The rules state that early in the morning the made will be murdered and the game will start. In the middle of the night Riley, Lacy's sister, comes to tell her that the game has started so Lacy and Jason come down stairs with everyone else and discover that the body of the maid is not role acting, she is really dead! And Lacy will be accused of murder!

Didn't see the end coming....so many things happening and so many mysteries! I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacy and Jason travels to the Hamptons for her sister's family bridal shower. Only to get involved in murder. Robert's family are a cast of characters, all greedy, has secrets and being blackmailed. The Aunt's monkey forces Lacy to have to cover her hair so it doesn't attack her again. Who killed the maid and why eventually comes out. But, thats secondary to the relationship building between Jason and Lacy. Finally Lacy being able to put Robert and Riley into perspective allows the series to move forward.
The best part of this story is the interaction between Jason and Lacy, they are funny together. You just can't help but laugh out loud with their antics. This is a feel good series, light reading and worth your time.

[Nancy]

Lacy Steele has been dispatched to the Hamptons with the tall order to make amends with her estranged sister, Riley, and her ex-fiancé, Robert. The time has come to decide which of her friends to take as her date: Tosh or Jason. As if to add to her already high stress level, she'll be spending the weekend with Robert's certifiable family, and his aunt has declared a ban on dessert.

Sugarless and forced to deal with Riley's never-ceasing drama, Robert's inappropriate advances, and his crazy family's odd behavior, Lacy thinks things can't get any worse until she becomes the suspect in a murder. Now she must unravel the clues to clear her name, but the only way to do that is to become a target herself.(less)

[Jeanne Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third 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 tries to make up with her fiancé stealing sister and goes to New York as part of her sister's pre-wedding celebration. She takes Jason with her because Tosh was busy.
They become involved in the murder mystery of one of the staff.
I accidently read this book first in the series- so I had no idea what was going on. It was slightly confusing. But it was so good that I went bck and read the rest of the series in order!
The author does a great job of creating tension between Lacy and her sister Riley. Her characters and plots are believable and funny!
You will love this series.

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoy Lacy Steele has been dispatched to the Hamptons with the tall order to make amends with her estranged sister, Riley, and her ex-fiancé, Robert. The time has come to decide which of her friends to take as her date: Tosh or Jason. As if to add to her already high stress level, she'll be spending the weekend with Robert's certifiable family, and his aunt has declared a ban on dessert.

Sugarless and forced to deal with Riley's never-ceasing drama, Robert's inappropriate advances, and his crazy family's odd behavior, Lacy thinks things can't get any worse until she becomes the suspect in a murder. Now she must unravel the clues to clear her name, but the only way to do that is to become a target herself.acy books

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is a bit goofy, which makes it a lot of fun! The continuing saga of Lacy, the cop and the preacher is not quite believable, but then why does it have to be? I'm thinking most guys simply would not continue as is for an entire year with Lacy's view of the world, especially guys in their 20's, but hey it makes for a good and fun story. The other part that is just a little over the top is Lacy's eating - there is no way that anyone can eat like she does and be "just a little" over-weight, no matter the running, especially at her pace of running. She must have the highest metabolism in the world!
All in all a really fun read and I love the characters.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This was my favorite in this series so far. Once again we have a loveable heroine and her dashing suitors. The romantic triangle is really heating up ( however it needs a conclusion soon or its going to get stale) .There was a new setting with a classic “old fashioned” who done it. This murder had a “Perry Mason” kind of feel to it. It was wonderful. The new characters were well done and wickedly funny. I am just completely in love with this funny, smart and very cleverly written little series.

[Kay (Brigidsmomma) Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Lacy Steele mystery. This one deals with more family drama; and attending to wedding plans for her sister and the scum who dumped Lacy for her sister. Not only is he scum, but his whole family has a few screws loose as well. Of course, Lacy is dumped in the middle of trying to deal with her own heartache and nightmares of dealing with the ex from hell, and now has to deal with the death of the maid of the ex's looney tunes aunt. Keep reading. It's funny and insane all at once!

[Kathryn Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

#3 in the Lacy Steele series. This one has Lacy going the engagement party of her ex-finance' to her sister, Riley. She asks Tosh to go, but suddenly can't, leaving Jason as her next option. The housemaid ends up dead and everyone at the house is a suspect. That part of the story is kinda weak, but, with all "series" books, some are better than others.

[Elaine Hoffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really beginning yo like thus character. This the third book in the series. Lacey is easy yo like. She has her issues which makes her seem pretty normal. There is no violence or sec in the books. No swearing - just a who done it mystery. I read this one in two days. Start with the first book if you want you will get hooked. Only $1.99 on Amazon - load on your kindle or ipad.

[Rita McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fantastic

It has been many years since I have read such a great series of books like the Lacy Steele Mystery. I strongly recommend these books to any reader that enjoys a great story minus offensive language or torrid love scenes. Absolutely fantastic reading and very enjoyable. You will truly enjoy these books.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost predictable plot with a few twists that I didn't expect. I really enjoy this series, quick reads, fun characters, plus an interesting twist at the end of the book. I can't wait to start the next one, but I'm wondering if this book would stand alone if I was not reading the entire series.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I love the characters in this series. They are colorful and fun. The plot and setting in this one were great with laugh out loud scenes sprinkled in. And a little romance for flavor.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Talk about disfunctional families. Loved it!

[Starla B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still really liking this series. Can't wait to start the next one! Although, I do really wish Lacy would just make up her mind already.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all five books in the series, one right after the other! I thoroughly enjoyed this author and her characters. Reminiscent of Janet Evonovich and her character Plum. Quick reads.

[Norada Shanafelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this cozy series even though I want to push a spine into Lacey. Hopefully she will learn to stand up for herself.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Number 3 in the Lacy Steel Cosy Mysteries. Lacy's sister Riley, her ex-fiancé and his family, what a horribly self absorbed bunch of people. Recipe form murder!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fast read