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A Chrissy McMullen Mystery #3
Unscrewed
L.A. homicide detective Jack Rivera has a killer body, a wicked smile, and a velvet touch. Just ask Christina McMullen. The cocktail-waitress-turned-psychologist has handled obsessed patients, love-struck drunks, and her own guilt-tripping mother with aplomb. But when it comes to the lieutenant, Chrissy has an old-fashioned case of irresistible attraction—until things turn fatal when Rivera is accused of murder!
Not only was Rivera found unconscious next to a dead woman, but the victim was his beautiful ex-girlfriend—who left Rivera for his wealthy dad. Chrissy detects a few father-and-son issues—along with plenty of evidence that her would-be boyfriend is guilty. But when she starts looking into the dead woman’s past, a rich senator’s connections, and Rivera’s relationship with his mother, will she discover there’s hope for her and Rivera after all? Or will her curiosity have deadly consequences?
Not only was Rivera found unconscious next to a dead woman, but the victim was his beautiful ex-girlfriend—who left Rivera for his wealthy dad. Chrissy detects a few father-and-son issues—along with plenty of evidence that her would-be boyfriend is guilty. But when she starts looking into the dead woman’s past, a rich senator’s connections, and Rivera’s relationship with his mother, will she discover there’s hope for her and Rivera after all? Or will her curiosity have deadly consequences?
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 30, 2007
18 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Lois Greiman
80 books292 followersBorn on a North Dakota cattle ranch, Lois Greiman graduated from a high school class of sixty students before moving to Minnesota where she professionally trained and showed Arabian Horses for several years. Since that time she's been a high fashion model, a fitness instructor, and a veterinary assistant. But an incurable case of writing fever put a stop to all those occupations.
Since selling her first book to Avon in 1992, she has sold twelve other historical romance novels, most of which are set in medieval Scotland and involve her very popular Forbes clan. In an attempt to pursue her love of humor, Ms. Greiman has also recently sold three romantic comedies to Harlequin Enterprises.
While caring for three children, fifteen horses, and a menagerie of pets on her small farm in Minnesota, Ms. Greiman writes full time, producing two or three novels a year and garnering much praise from readers and reviewers alike. Affaire de Coeur called HIGHLAND WOLF "magnificent." Romantic Times proclaimed LADY AND THE KNIGHT"...pure magic." Christina Dodd proclaims "Lois Greiman delivers....The Fraser Bride offers delightful characters, breathless adventure."
Her Highland novels have received Affaire de Couer's Critic's Choice Award, Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award, and been nominated for Romance Writer's of America's prestigious Rita. Her titles have appeared on Barnes and Nobles Best Selling Romance list and won her the Midwest Fiction Writer's Rising Star Award.
Since selling her first book to Avon in 1992, she has sold twelve other historical romance novels, most of which are set in medieval Scotland and involve her very popular Forbes clan. In an attempt to pursue her love of humor, Ms. Greiman has also recently sold three romantic comedies to Harlequin Enterprises.
While caring for three children, fifteen horses, and a menagerie of pets on her small farm in Minnesota, Ms. Greiman writes full time, producing two or three novels a year and garnering much praise from readers and reviewers alike. Affaire de Coeur called HIGHLAND WOLF "magnificent." Romantic Times proclaimed LADY AND THE KNIGHT"...pure magic." Christina Dodd proclaims "Lois Greiman delivers....The Fraser Bride offers delightful characters, breathless adventure."
Her Highland novels have received Affaire de Couer's Critic's Choice Award, Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award, and been nominated for Romance Writer's of America's prestigious Rita. Her titles have appeared on Barnes and Nobles Best Selling Romance list and won her the Midwest Fiction Writer's Rising Star Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 24, 2019
#3 in the Chrissy McMullen cozy mystery series
It was unfortunate that I happened to read this book at this time since I was too distracted to really enjoy it. This is a fun and entertaining series, but I just couldn't focus on it (because of totally unrelated personal issues). There were some laugh-out-loud moments, the mystery was good, and the story-telling was fine, but I can't rate it above a 3 at this time since I put it down so many times that I lost the gist of the story. I liked that Chrissy's relationship with Rivera progressed a little more, and I was happy to discover that Laney has a shot at acting stardom. And we learned a little more about Rivera, meeting his parents for the first time. I just know this series will continue to get better and better, so I hope to be more receptive for the next in the series.
It was unfortunate that I happened to read this book at this time since I was too distracted to really enjoy it. This is a fun and entertaining series, but I just couldn't focus on it (because of totally unrelated personal issues). There were some laugh-out-loud moments, the mystery was good, and the story-telling was fine, but I can't rate it above a 3 at this time since I put it down so many times that I lost the gist of the story. I liked that Chrissy's relationship with Rivera progressed a little more, and I was happy to discover that Laney has a shot at acting stardom. And we learned a little more about Rivera, meeting his parents for the first time. I just know this series will continue to get better and better, so I hope to be more receptive for the next in the series.
March 22, 2017
Loved it. Wish she could get laid already though.
March 29, 2011
Very similar to Stephanie Plum, actually too similar - lusting for hot cop, interfering mother and that was only after chapter 1. Just differing locale (LA) and occupation (psychiatrist).
January 16, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the third book in the Chrissy McMullen Mystery series. I have not read either of the prior books in this series and I did not find it necessary to follow the story or understand the events. This is a standalone story. However, there are multiple references to prior events [I am guessing from prior books] where Chrissy had been accused of murder and her involvement in prior investigations. The author does provide a quick summary of prior events so you are completely up-to-date.
Here, Chrissy has a date with Jack Rivera, a cop who previously investigated her for murder. It is clear they are both taken with each other but before they can even get going on their date, Rivera gets a phone call and he abandons Chrissy. Chrissy, unsure if she trusts Rivera's explanation of the phone call, figures out where Rivera went and quickly pursues him only to find Rivera at his father's house with his father's fiance's dead body. Rivera is now the prime suspect in her homicide. Chrissy is quickly convinced by Rivera's father to investigate.
This is a light, sarcastic and funny cozy mystery. Each chapter begins with a wacky quote about relationships. Chrissy has a lot of sarcastic and funny thoughts/quips. The mystery was good with a few red herrings. There is nothing deep here [not every book needs to be] but certainly, it is an entertaining way to spend a few hours. Overall, enjoyable.
I listened to this book -- the narrator, Barbara Benjamin-Creel did a good job with balancing the sarcasm, the romance and the bit of tension in solving the mystery.
This is the third book in the Chrissy McMullen Mystery series. I have not read either of the prior books in this series and I did not find it necessary to follow the story or understand the events. This is a standalone story. However, there are multiple references to prior events [I am guessing from prior books] where Chrissy had been accused of murder and her involvement in prior investigations. The author does provide a quick summary of prior events so you are completely up-to-date.
Here, Chrissy has a date with Jack Rivera, a cop who previously investigated her for murder. It is clear they are both taken with each other but before they can even get going on their date, Rivera gets a phone call and he abandons Chrissy. Chrissy, unsure if she trusts Rivera's explanation of the phone call, figures out where Rivera went and quickly pursues him only to find Rivera at his father's house with his father's fiance's dead body. Rivera is now the prime suspect in her homicide. Chrissy is quickly convinced by Rivera's father to investigate.
This is a light, sarcastic and funny cozy mystery. Each chapter begins with a wacky quote about relationships. Chrissy has a lot of sarcastic and funny thoughts/quips. The mystery was good with a few red herrings. There is nothing deep here [not every book needs to be] but certainly, it is an entertaining way to spend a few hours. Overall, enjoyable.
I listened to this book -- the narrator, Barbara Benjamin-Creel did a good job with balancing the sarcasm, the romance and the bit of tension in solving the mystery.
January 5, 2022
Another great read in the Chrissy McMullen series. This girl just can't seem to stay out of harm's way! When the man she's lusting after, the delicious Lieutenant Rivera, is found unconscious at the murder of a former lover and accused of the crime, Chrissy isn't so sure he's innocent. Caught up in the disfunctional Rivera clan, surrounded by people who are not what they seem, Chrissy must dig deep to find the truth. Hilarious antics ensue in typical Greiman fashion. A thoroughly enjoyable instalment of a funny, smart series.
May 30, 2020
I love this series. I love Chrissy and Riveria though I wish they would just get their act together and believe in each other. In this book Riveria is thought to have murdered his ex fiancee who happens to be now engaged to his father. A great story line and a few twists and turns and this turned into a great book. I had my suspicion on who had done the deed but didn't know for sure almost to the end.
October 15, 2017
This is one of the many old paperbacks I still have lying around the house that I decided was time to read.
A fun book, but not something I'll remember after a while as it didn't really stand out for me.
A fun book, but not something I'll remember after a while as it didn't really stand out for me.
January 17, 2019
The third in this series, similar in vein to previous two books. I purchased the first four books as zany, light reads and I have not been disappointed. These books are not unlike the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovitch , if you need a frame of reference.
August 4, 2017
I'm hoping there will be a Chrissy McMullen Mystery where she doesn't think Rivera killed someone and Rivera doesn't think she killed someone?
December 15, 2017
Silly. Was there a plot in here?
December 23, 2017
Love the characters, Love the storyline, settings!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2011
Chrissy isn’t known for taking the backseat to an investigation that she has a personal interest in. Being that she is a psychiatrist, it’s probably safer for everyone if she didn’t get involved. But when her possible boyfriend is suspected for murdering an old flame, currently his father’s fiancée, Chrissy can’t help but stick her nose where it ought not be.
The hunk of burning love and possible caveman Rivera sporadically pops up when he’s least wanted. For example, slightly inebriated Chrissy had just broken to the unshakable Mama Rivera and blabbed that she “lusted” after Rivera, when who comes through the door? I’m sure you can guess. Chrissy’s latest adventure takes her to a new level with the hotheaded cop, but also result in another tale of sexual frustration. The book is strictly a pleasure read. It’s full of laughs, and I’m certain Chrissy will end up with Rivera…eventually.
The hunk of burning love and possible caveman Rivera sporadically pops up when he’s least wanted. For example, slightly inebriated Chrissy had just broken to the unshakable Mama Rivera and blabbed that she “lusted” after Rivera, when who comes through the door? I’m sure you can guess. Chrissy’s latest adventure takes her to a new level with the hotheaded cop, but also result in another tale of sexual frustration. The book is strictly a pleasure read. It’s full of laughs, and I’m certain Chrissy will end up with Rivera…eventually.
February 18, 2014
Unscrewed has a great mystery that keeps you guessing right up until the end. It's wonderfully complicated with lots of suspects and red herrings. A true delight to read. Oh and let's not forget Jack Rivera. Yummy! I love how each and every one of their sexual encounters gets interrupted seconds before they actually do it. Too funny.
It's lines like this that keep me reading this series.
Life is short. Maybe too short to spend every night like an aging nun with gonorrhea.
You just have to love a character with such amusing inner dialogue which abounds throughout the book. Though I must say that Chrissy is overly obsesses with her wardrobe, specifically her high-end bargains - Gucci, Givenchy, etc. She somehow works her latest find into every chapter.
March 21, 2013
Christina McMullen isn't very excited that LA detective Reviera interrupts her date and finds him later next to a dead woman - his ex-girlfriend and the actual girl friend of his father - the senator.
I didn't like the mystery plot as much as in the prequel books. There were some really funny and sparkling moments, part of the story which I really loved, but also some parts of the mystery case, that weren't so catchy. I really love the scene where Riviera's mother invites Chrissy to dinner ☺. For me also Riviera appearences could have been more. I love the dialogues between him and McMullen.
The ending was perfect and all in all I really liked the book - 3.5 stars, but it's not so awesome like one of my alltime-favourite-books - 'Unzipped'.
I didn't like the mystery plot as much as in the prequel books. There were some really funny and sparkling moments, part of the story which I really loved, but also some parts of the mystery case, that weren't so catchy. I really love the scene where Riviera's mother invites Chrissy to dinner ☺. For me also Riviera appearences could have been more. I love the dialogues between him and McMullen.
The ending was perfect and all in all I really liked the book - 3.5 stars, but it's not so awesome like one of my alltime-favourite-books - 'Unzipped'.
January 16, 2014
Another entertaining story in the series, a bit convoluted at times with quite a bit of characters this time. Definitely had some laugh out loud moments, like Chrissy's dinner with Rivera's mom, another instance was Chrissy and Eddie at the Strip Please.
Some things that I'm already tired of: Chrissy constantly talking about how beautiful Laney is, and how the world will do and say anything when they are in close (like 243 miles) of Laney and her beauty. I'm also tired of Rivera and Chrissy not actually doing the mattress tango. For crying out loud (which I'm sure Chrissy will do IF she and Rivera ever get that far), three books into the series and no nookie action! Ugh, I'm over that. Annoying, yes. But not enough to stop me from finishing out the series.
Some things that I'm already tired of: Chrissy constantly talking about how beautiful Laney is, and how the world will do and say anything when they are in close (like 243 miles) of Laney and her beauty. I'm also tired of Rivera and Chrissy not actually doing the mattress tango. For crying out loud (which I'm sure Chrissy will do IF she and Rivera ever get that far), three books into the series and no nookie action! Ugh, I'm over that. Annoying, yes. But not enough to stop me from finishing out the series.
March 9, 2013
Ya gotta love Chrissy McMullen! She can escalate or diffuse any volatile situation with wit and zingers!
Lieutenant Rivera arrives for their first date as delicious as a sexy Latino lollipop! As he is putting the moves on Chrissy, his phone chimes and he suddenly must leave to attend to a problem with his father. Chrissy is understanding, familiar with the strained relations between the two, and hopeful of a reconciliation. Not long after he has left, Chrissy recognizes the tune that played on his phone as 'Like A Virgin' and suspects the call had not been from his father. She sets out to follow him and finds more then she bargained for!
Lieutenant Rivera arrives for their first date as delicious as a sexy Latino lollipop! As he is putting the moves on Chrissy, his phone chimes and he suddenly must leave to attend to a problem with his father. Chrissy is understanding, familiar with the strained relations between the two, and hopeful of a reconciliation. Not long after he has left, Chrissy recognizes the tune that played on his phone as 'Like A Virgin' and suspects the call had not been from his father. She sets out to follow him and finds more then she bargained for!
May 10, 2015
Rivera’s ex-girlfriend, Rivera’s father’s girlfriend (same person) ends up dead and Rivera is mysteriously at the scene. Chrissy looks into the issue, as she is nervous that Rivera might be responsible for the death. She interacts with Rivera’s senator father, Rivera’s lush mother, and others in her quest to figure out what is going on. Easy, enjoyable read. I liked this book more than Unmanned, but I don’t know if it was because I had a break from the series or if I really liked the story better. I would give this 3.5 stars if possible.
November 23, 2010
So this time Chrissy gets to learn more about Rivera as his ex-fiancee and current girlfriend of his senator father is killed. Although she keeps telling herself to stay out of it, she just can't help it and is soon neck deep into trying to figure it out and if she can trust Rivera. The supporting characters are fun as always and Chrissy certainly manages to get herself into some delicate situations.
July 8, 2016
Another good book in the series! Learned alittle more background about Riveria in this book, which really added to his character. I am starting to get slightly annoyed with the cat-n-mouse game being played every time Chrissy and Riveria try to hook up. It's usually drawn out for too long! But the mysteries and storyline always keep me entertained until the very end!
September 4, 2008
I really love this series. It has a fast pace, good characters, a dry sense of humor, and sexual tension thrown in. If you like Janet Evanovich, J.A. Konrath, etc then read Lois Greiman. This is book 3........
I will definitely keep reading this series
I will definitely keep reading this series
July 26, 2010
Really? Plot is good, but not exceptional, ditto for the characters. And this was book 3, and the sexual tension remains... Tense. Yet I am about to start book 4, so perhaps her hormonal manipulation is working.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2013
I loved Greiman's sense of humor, which flows out with every line in the book. Witty, with a knack for playing with words, she turned what is in a way a simplistic mystery plot-line into a very entertaining read.
September 1, 2013
Chrissy's life gets crazier with each outing. Her love interest, Jack Rivera wakes up beside a dead woman who just happens to be his ex and his father's current main squeeze. Politics, very odd patients, best friend Laney and a super geek make for a fun sometimes laugh out loud read. 3.5 stars
October 23, 2013
The more of these I read the bigger fan i become of Lois. I love Chrissy, I truely believe we could hang out and trade smart remarks to each other. My only quip is they need to get together ALREADY!!!!
November 19, 2013
I am glad I have stuck with Chrissy McMullen, she is entertaining me a bit more, I do wish that her and Jack would just get it on finally -
The almost moments are pretty interestingly warm and tingly.
The almost moments are pretty interestingly warm and tingly.
August 17, 2014
This book was great. Some of the things she gets herself into.
I loved getting to know Rivera's family. His mom was funny. I think she likes Christina. I hope to see more of her in the next books. I hope they get together in the next book, Chrissy needs some romance in her life.
I loved getting to know Rivera's family. His mom was funny. I think she likes Christina. I hope to see more of her in the next books. I hope they get together in the next book, Chrissy needs some romance in her life.
September 26, 2011
4-1/2 stars
July 25, 2011
DNF - too much with the high-class psychologist. Does the author honestly think those with advanced degrees mention it at every turn, to every one???
December 18, 2014
Love these fun books
January 26, 2013
I'm enjoying this series more and more.....mind candy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews