Coaching Fire

Life Coach Mystery #5

by Victoria Laurie

Everything’s bigger in Texas when Hamptons life coach Cat Cooper and her saucy bestie Gilley show up for the Texas Rose Festival with their customary pizzaz in the latest Life Coach Mystery from Victoria Laurie, New York Times bestselling author of the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the Ghost Hunter Mysteries…

Gilley’s whirlwind romance with creative director Stuart Jacobs began in Paris, where Stuart was sourcing fabric for the world-renowned Texas Rose Festival, which he is heading up for the first time. The festival is nothing short of spectacular, bringing in half a million people (and their wallets) to see the artistic displays, and exquisite gowns and jewels worn by the Rose Queen and her court. Stuart and his crew seem to have it all under control. But the night Cat arrives in Texas, someone is shot in cold blood, and a member of Stuart’s staff is named the prime suspect!

The Rose Festival is too important to the city’s economy to cancel, so while Stuart scrambles to prevent the festival from derailing, Cat and Gilley launch their own investigation into the murder. With a parade of potential suspects to parse, and an even longer list of motives, they bring in East Hampton Police Detective Steve Shepherd to help. As rumors of arson, burglary, and professional sabotage swirl around the already fraught festival planning, Cat and her team immerse themselves in the cutthroat pageantry to identify the killer, who has already picked their next victim . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 28, 2023

About the author

Victoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.

Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.

Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good addition to the series but with a change of venue; these usually are not my favorite as I am a creature of comfort and I like my people to stay in their familiar spots but the change of venue here was enjoyable. I loved getting to know the new town of Tyler (which I will be visiting next year) and the new friends Cat and Gilley make. Most of the novel focused on the mystery, since the interruptions of daily life were taken away with the traveling, but there’s also a good amount about Gilley and Cat’s issues with their love lives, which both seem to be resolved. Also - when did Cat stop coaching people? Otherwise, can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a copy from #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for an honest review.

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. Just what I needed to cleanse the palate. I laughed and smiled through the book. There were a few minor plot holes which keeps me from giving it 5 stars, but just know it was my great pleasure to listen to this story. The narrator was fantastic.

[Sally906 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Victoria Laurie has kept me awake until the wee small hours as I could not put the book down and go to sleep. She is one of the less than a handful of authors who I would read their grocery list if they printed it.

I loved this book. I laughed, I cried and I was outraged on behalf of the characters at some of the truths regarding police actions towards African Americans. This is not just a US thing - but should not happen anywhere.

But I digress. Coaching Fire is the fifth book in the “Life Coach Mysteries” series. The story opens with Cat arriving back in New York from her European trip alone. Gilley fell in love over there and returned ahead with his new beau Stuart to Texas for a festival. Stuart is the creative director of the Texas Rose Festival that includes artistic displays, exquisite gowns and millions of dollars worth of jewels being worn by the Rose Queen. As Cat walk through the arrivals section her long time boyfriend, Detective Shepherd, gets down on one knee with an engagement ring in his hand. She panics and turns around and hops straight back on a plane to Texas leaving Shep still on his knee. Even though she new it was coming, she is not ready to make a decision.

Within hours of her arrival there is a murder - one of Stuart’s designers. The sister is brutally arrested by the local police purely because she is African American so has to be guilty. Cat and Gilley swing into action to try and find the real killer. Then after more deaths, a huge warehouse fire and some stolen jewellery Cat calls Shep to fly down and help them, and she agrees to make a decision.

I was dragged in from the very first page. There were quite a few potential murderers and lots of twist and turns, and Gilley and Cat in peril, before the culprit was revealed. And, more importantly the decision was made. Cat, Gilley and Shep are an amazing team - I have loved Gilley ever since I first met him in the “Ghost Hunter” series and his best friend Cat became a new friend in this series. If you have read this series yet - do yourself a favour and get your hands on it - and if you’re waiting for this one, then put this book on pre-order

With thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for my copy to review

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#CoachingFire #NetGalley is a fabulous addition to this series!
Cat and Gilley are on vacation and decide to head off to Texas, to support Gilley's new love interest, during the Rose Parade.
It's an honor for Stuart to be the designer for the event, but it seems like someone wants to see him fail.
Cat and Gilley get caught up in the event and soon find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.
This duo really knows how to get it done, and I loved this book from beginning to end.
I was on pins and needles for both of them, hoping their love lives would spark up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm looking forward to recommending it to my cozy mystery friends.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat has been over seas with Gilly watching him fall head over heels for Stuart Jacobs a creative director. Stuart is heading up the Texas Rose Festival for the first time and he wants everything to go perfectly. When someone is murdered and one of Stuart's staff is the main suspect he hopes Cat will investigate and clear their name. Cat begins her investigation with Gilly's help and the two learn there are numerous suspects to look into. The two soon learn that there are many paths.to follow but which one will lead them to a killer. Follow along and see just where their investigation leads, will someone else end up dead before they find the murderer?

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

** SPOILERS AHEAD **

3.5 stars

I am not going to lie - in amateur sleuth (or cozy mystery) category, at times I focus more on the relationship development rather than the mystery. So I would do that here as well - before talking about the mystery.

Truthfully, I haven't been fully on board with Cat and Shep's relationship. I thought they have different perspectives in life. Shep hasn't been 100% supporting Cat whenever she conducts her sleuthing (although Shep being a detective and Cat inserting herself in his active investigation probably doesn't help). Cat isn't exactly making Shep's life easy as well.

So I wasn't completely surprised with Cat being unsure about Shep's proposal - she actually said "No" and then abruptly left to Texas to help her best friend, Gilley. BUT the way that Cat pretty much ghosting Shep (she didn't want to talk to him AT ALL) and also Shep's sort of ultimatum by phone about "I wan't to be with you or not at all" wasn't helping the case. I still thought their relationship foundation was shaky, no matter the complete turnaround of Shep's personality in this book. I can only wish them the best.

I was HAPPY with Gilley's newfound relationship though. It was hard to see him sad and heartbroken. So I also wish him all the best.

Now, the mystery... oh I loved it! I loved that things were excitingly moving quite fast, with a murder, an arson, and even a theft! This involving Gilley's new lover, Stuart, and his business added the intensity because Cat and Gilley didn't want to see Stuart failed! Cat's investigation (and Gilley's) was fun - and Shep did come and help them, so it was all good for Stuart. Yay!




The ARC is provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhhhh the Cat & Gilley series seems to be coming to a close. I have to say, Cat grew on me; I didn't enjoy her as Abby's sister throughout the still going Psychic Eye series (which I HIGHLY recommend) but I enjoyed her as her own character in her own series. I missed the psychic twist to things, which is what brought me to Victoria Laurie but if you enjoy cozy mysteries, you'll enjoy this crime solving duo.

Thank you netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy catching up the Cat and Gilley. This book starts with Cat avoiding her boyfriend, Shep, so she flies to Texas to stay with Gilley and his new boyfriend. A murder occurs while they are in Texas and Cat and Gilley can't help but investigate. I really liked the different location of this book. It is always refreshing to see the characters in a different environment. The characters are always well written, and the mystery was well done. All in all a great book..

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I could not put this down! I loved this book. Loved, LOVED, L-O-V-E-D the ending! I hope this isn't the end of the series!!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad Shep made a turn around from the last book!

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick and easy read. I finished it in one day. It was definitely entertaining and held my attention, but this was not my favorite of the series and I definitely had some issues with the book.

First, this book is supposed to be a mystery and suspense, and while, yes, it was definitely a mystery, there was little suspense. In fact there was only one edge of your seat, “oh no!” moment, and when I say it lasted all of 4 pages, I might be generous. Literally, as soon as the tension began, it ended. Also, the mystery wasn’t a huge mystery to me. As soon as I met the person who would be revealed as the murderer in the book, I thought that person was the suspect. But, no one else in the book did. And as soon as I met the jewel thief in the book, I thought that person had did it. And they had. So, the ending wasn’t very surprising at all for me.

Second, and probably my biggest gripe, is that this book is a murder mystery, plus jewel heist, plus arson, and it’s set in Texas. Where Cat’s psychic sister who works for the FBI lives. Now, I know Texas is a big state. But wouldn’t it have been much easier to call Abby (Cat’s sister) and get a lawyer rec than calling her lawyer in the Hampton’s? And, at one point, Gilley even mentions his friend MJ, who is a medium, and Cat stays silent about Abby. Who literally solves crimes for a living. This is what she does. I don’t get it. Cat only mentions Abby in passing, saying she doesn’t want to contact Abby because he will comment on her relationship with Shep. But, yes. Let’s be petty and selfish while people’s lives are being ruined.

Third, Abby behaves like a total child about Shep in this book. She is like a teenager. And he just rolls with it.

This book wrapped up in a neat little package. No loose ends at all. So, I’m guessing this is the final book in the Cat/Gilley series.

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat and Gilley are on the case again. They are in Texas with Gilleys new designer boyfriend Stuart. He is the designer in charge of the Texas Rose Festival. There is a murder on his design team and another team member is a suspect. Gilley, Cat and Shep work the clues to find the real killer. I love this series so much and I'm sad to see it end. I love Gilley and his quick wit. I enjoyed following the clues and figuring out the mystery.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been a nice substitute for the Psychic Eye books that seem to have gone on hiatus for several years. the writing is the same and the characters are similar. I enjoy the fast paced mysteries and the interaction between Cat and Gilley. A great read and great series!

[Danielle Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat and Gilly are in the middle of another murder investigation, at least this time it's in Texas.
I thought the mystery was great! Lots of red herrings, twists, and turns, and as soon as Shep arrived to help I felt like the team was complete.
Gilly has a new love and while he tends to fall in love super quickly I do like Stuart and hope that they can both make this relationship work long-term

I'm not sure how many more books we will be getting in this series as this one definitely had the feeling of an ending, but I look forward to either more of Cat and Gilly or whatever else VIctoria Laurie writes.
PS If you like your cozy mysteries with some paranormal elements I would recommend Victoria Laurie's other series!

[Leith Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the Coaching Fire series. Cat is a life coach and Gillie is her assistant. Gillie is back from Paris where he met his new love Stuart, a costume designer. He’s putting on the Texas Rose Festival, and Cat joins them after his costumes are sabotaged and a man is found shot to death. Cat’s crime solving abilities preceded her so she gets involved to solve the crime and save the festival, 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Taken from the Book. "Gilley’s whirlwind romance with creative director Stuart Jacobs began in Paris, where Stuart was sourcing fabric for the world-renowned Texas Rose Festival, which he is heading up for the first time. The festival is nothing short of spectacular, bringing in half a million people (and their wallets) to see the artistic displays, and exquisite gowns and jewels worn by the Rose Queen and her court. Stuart and his crew seem to have it all under control. But the night Cat arrives in Texas, someone is shot in cold blood, and a member of Stuart’s staff is named the prime suspect!

The Rose Festival is too important to the city’s economy to cancel, so while Stuart scrambles to prevent the festival from derailing, Cat and Gilley launch their own investigation into the murder. With a parade of potential suspects to parse, and an even longer list of motives, they bring in East Hampton Police Detective Steve Shepherd to help. As rumors of arson, burglary, and professional sabotage swirl around the already fraught festival planning, Cat and her team immerse themselves in the cutthroat pageantry to identify the killer, who has already picked their next victim . . ."

Very little mystery and lots of drama. Cat and Gilley are closer than ever. Cat and Shepherd hit a rough spot in their relationship and must work it out. I had the, who done it, figured out before the revival, but I almost got it wrong. Story line was interesting enough to finish the book, but this one is my least liked of the series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Laurie’s latest work has a distinct flavor, setting it apart from previous entries in the Cat and Gilley series. Not only has she swapped the roles of the duo, but she has also woven in social commentary. Laurie fearlessly calls out brutality and discrimination within Texas law enforcement, and though not calling out for change, is making her readers aware of its existence. There is also an in-depth narrative of psychics. Laurie, a professional psychic, takes her time defending their abilities and existence.

Gilley, once the skittish Scooby-do personality, now is the beacon of reason. Meanwhile, Cat—usually steadfast and confident—finds herself wavering, adding l a new layer to their enduring friendship.

Early on, a murder sets the stage for the investigation. Yet, as we move from scene to scene, we find ourselves entangled in multiple storylines. This web of narratives, while occasionally overly descriptive, maintains a smooth flow.

From a previous mention on Laurie’s podcast, this appears to be the last we will see, for a while at least, of the Cat and Gilley saga. The author has her eye on fresh horizons and has mentioned new material. “See No Evil,” an addition to the A Psychic Eye Mystery series, is out now, and the upcoming fall release of “A Trinket for the Taking.”

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of this author's Ghost Hunter Series, where we first met the character of Gilley. He was a fun character, often helping with some comic relief from the supernatural theme in that series. In this series, he is more a costar and has really developed his characterization. I love his interaction with Cat, as they work through their personal issues, supporting each other where necessary, as well as solving mysteries. In this story, Cat has run off to Texas to join Gilley and his new beau, Stuart, to avoid facing a serious personal decision. Stuart is in the middle of planning the annual Rose Festival, but unfortunately murder intervenes when one of his crew is killed. Can Cat and Gilley help solve this murder, one that the police are trying to pin on the dead man's sister? I enjoyed their investigation, and twists and turns of this case. My only concern is it felt like the author was wrapping up this series...done delightfully, but I hope we see more Cat/Gilley investigations in the future. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book received through NetGalley and all opinions are strictly my own.

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat and Gilley return from their European trip and both have surprises. Cat’s meets here back home and Gilley brings his one with him. Cat’s surprise leads her to run straight to Gilley in Texas, where he’s spending time with his new boyfriend.

In typical Cat and Gilley fashion, they find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation. If it didn’t impact Gilley’s new love, they wouldn’t even get involved, most likely. But the duo brings their brand of sleuthing to Texas and try to find out who is trying to sabotage Stuart and the Rose Festival. Can they find whodunit or will they be just another rose bud or two nipped in the bud.?

I have always enjoyed this series. Having a strong female protagonist that is self sufficient and doesn’t need anyone to support her financially, makes her a strong character. Gilley and Cat’s friendship is strong and we could all use a friend like these two have in each other. A solid mystery in each book, which always reads fine as a stand alone.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat and Gilley are forced to investigate a murder in Coaching Fire, book 5 of the Lifestyle Coach mysteries. This book has it all: two serious romances, a behind-the-scenes look at a rose parade pageant, an arson, an assault and of course, the murder. Even with all that action, my favorite part of the novel is its characters. Cat and Gilley are true originals especially within the cozy mystery genre. They are funny without being crude. And they seem to genuinely love each other.

To understand all the nuances in the characters, it is highly recommended that you read at least the last book in this series, Coached Red-handed, before reading this one.

Coaching Fire is the best book in the Lifestyle Coach mysteries. It also seems like the last one (boo hoo). After following the author through three cozy mystery series, I’m sure I’ll like her next one too. Still, I’ll miss Cat, Gilley and the gang. 5 stars and a favorite!

Thanks to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️rounded up! Always a fun cozy mystery series. Cat is a life coach who spends more time solving murders than providing coaching. This edition has Cat visiting Gilley in Texas. As they say, Everything is bigger in Texas. Gilley’s new boyfriend is designing dresses for the court of the Texas Rose Festival.
No trip is simple for Cat and Gilley. Soon a body is discovered and they jump into help solve the crime.
Shepherd travels down to Texas to assist.
Cat and Shep’s relationship is at a crossroads. Happy to say the author chose to resolve this plot point. Didn’t leave them in limbo land of will they continue to date, breakup or marry. Greatly appreciated that decision. Other cozy mystery authors leave their characters in limbo for way too many books.
Fantastic descriptions of the dresses and jewels for the Rose Court.
I always want more Gilley. I like Cat. She is a strong female character but my heart lies with GIlley, Would love to see him as the lead and main focus for a few stories in the series.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Cat leaves the airport after her boyfriend has just proposed to her on one knee (she did not know what to do) and just freak out and ran (which he was next expecting) she heads off to Texas where her best friend, Gilly, is staying with his new beau, Stuart, who is working on the Rose Festival. When she lands and is with Gilly, he is called by Stuart who said that Imani just called because her brother had just been shot. Imani woke up and found her brother dead. She becomes a person of interest and then is arrested. In the meantime someone is wrecking havoc on what Stuart is doing. It really goes bad when the expensive Tiara has been stolen and the warehouse where they are working goes up in flames. Cat decides to get hold of Shepard (her boyfriend) and see if he would be willing to come out and find out what is going on. Can Cat and Shepard get back again with their relationship? Can Cat and Gilly find out who is behind everything and save the Rose Festival?

[Drebbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coaching Fire is another nicely done mystery by Victoria Laurie. Gilley and Cat continue to be an inspired pairing – in this one Cat, who is avoiding making a major decision in her life, flees to Texas where Gilley’s new boyfriend is in charge of costumes for the Texas Rose Festival. This nicely sets up the murder mystery as there are plenty of people who would love to have that job and are willing to kill for it. The plot isn’t as simple as that – Laurie is too good of a writer for that and throws more than a few twists and turns into the mystery. I thought for sure I knew who the guilty party was but I was only partially right and was totally surprised when all was revealed – very well done by Laurie. Finally, the ending of the book was perfect!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Lana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again, why can't authors keep better track of their own writing. In the last book kids were 15, and in the first book which takes place 3 years earlier they were 14.
And in this book Cat was married for 15 years, and in the first book she was married for 21 years.
If she wanted Cat to be younger to better fit her narrative, she didn't have to make the 2 year gap between second and third book.
It could have been few months instead.
I guess most people wouldn't notice if they were reading books as they were published and I was reading them all in a week.

The mistery wasn't all that good since she's sticking to her formula now and it is easy to guess who is the quilty party.
And that whole drama over Shep, and sudden growth. It was just a page filler. And it made me like Cat even less.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! All I can say is wow! Coaching Fire by the ever amazing Victoria Laurie was absolutely fantastic. There’s this tension through out the whole book that made me edgy and eager to find out the end. I read this quick read in one day it was so good. Cat and Gilley remain as sweet as ever, Shep gets a sexy makeover (I mean he could get any hotter is beyond me) and Cat answers a big question. This book has everything I love in a good cozy!

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.

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[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

So....about that proposal! Cat wasn't expecting Shep to get down on one knee and so, in a move that annoyed me but was necessary for the plot, she heads off to Texas where her BFF Gilley is helping his new love interest Stuart with a Rose Festival. And, of course, almost as soon as she arrives, there's a murder and Stuart's assistant is implicated. Cat and Gilley can't let local law enforcement investigate in its own so they not only launch themselves, they reach out to Shep for help. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I've been a fan of this series not only for the mysteries but for the characters and the setting. This sees everyone moved to Texas and it didn't entirely work for me. That said I'm interested in seeing what happens when we get back to New York.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coaching Fire is the fifth book in Life Coach Mystery series written by Victoria Laurie.

I liked this series from the first book and I have read all of the installments.
I have to say that this isn't my favourite story. I have a feeling that the mystery took the back seat of the love life of both main characters and while I really like my characters to have depth and development it didn't sit right.

While I like my main heroine, her love and care for the people in her life in this installment she seemed a bit of goody two shoes.
The mystery was pretty insteresting but like I said I had a feeling that it wasn't as important as it should have been.
All in all a solid story about very liked characters and a nice setting.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat has been over seas with Gilly watching him fall head over heels for Stuart Jacobs a creative director. Stuart is heading up the Texas Rose Festival for the first time and he wants everything to go perfectly. When someone is murdered and one of Stuart's staff is the main suspect he hopes Cat will investigate and clear their name. Cat begins her investigation with Gilly's help and the two learn there are numerous suspects to look into. The two soon learn that there are many paths.to follow but which one will lead them to a killer. Follow along and see just where their investigation leads, sill someone else end up dead before they find the murderer?

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems like it had been years since the last Cat and Gilley book, but it's just been a year. It also seemed longer because I felt like I missed a book. There are some relationship changes that I didn't recall. Despite my slight disorientation, I enjoyed getting caught up with Cat and Gilley. I don't find this story had any laughs, but it was still light and enjoyable.

The story takes place in Texas and there are some references, but it just lacked some of that "flavor" to me. Still enjoyed the read.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Kathy Kennerley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! This is one of my favorite authors. Cat and Gil are far from home in this one but still in their element. They are so fun and funny together and such tight friends that they instinctively know what the other needs. There seemed to be some closure in this book that happens when a series winds down but I'm not worried because this author has a way of bringing her characters back time and again. Great mystery! ARC netgalley.com