Unmanned

A Chrissy McMullen Mystery #4

by Lois Greiman

Even in a city of long, tall beauties, psychologist Christina McMullen is used to getting hit on. But she’s definitely not accustomed to having a hit on her. Until the day a charming stranger shows up at her door—and someone guns him down right in front of her.

For Chrissy, shootings and explosions are what pass for normal in her tempestuous relationship with sexy LAPD lieutenant Jack Rivera. But the real mayhem begins when her brother Pete blows in from the Windy City trailing clouds of trouble in the form of a pregnant girlfriend, “borrowed” money, and a mobster named “D.” Chrissy always said her family would be the death of her–but even L.A.’s sassiest shrink isn’t prepared for the truth behind her brother’s link to the dead stranger…or the killer who threatens them both.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Chick Lit, Humor, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Born 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.

Reviews

[Noelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

“When men age they’re called sophisticated. When women age they ain’t called at all. -Doris Blanchard, quickdraw and philosopher.”

Title: Unmanned
Author: Lois Greiman
Genre: Mystery Book 4 in the Chrissy McMullen mystery series.

Cute, Fun, good humor, witty, sarcastic writing. Chrissy is a psychologist who finds herself on the wrong side of a vengeful hired gun. Dodging bullets and near death experiences. On and off again, love interest, Lieutenant Jack Rivera is on the case to find out what is happening.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Chrissy and the heating up of her relationship with Riveria. Add in again her crazy brother Pete and people out to kill her and you have a good story and great characters. I love this series and can't wait to read the next one.

[Pandora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the entire series, you w be entertained!

[Susan W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too funny. Love this series

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I intend to read other books in this series at some point.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite book in the series so far. Less slapstick humor and we get to know more about her family. Jack is hanging in there,the mystery is great, but I would like more romance, please.

[Stephanie Scholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Keeps you on your toes the whole time. I can't wait to read the next one

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to get to know some of her family better. Not as funny as the others though.

[Leise Chadwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chrissy is nothing but the epitome of class in her recycled designer clothes. Considering her uniform as a waitress at the Warthog in Schaumberg, Illinois, second hand designer clothes are a huge step up the ladder. Speaking of attire, Chrissy isn't quite sure what continues to draw her to Jack Rivera but the way he fills out his low slung form fitting jeans could be a component.

Rivera is equally attracted to Chrissy, and often appears overly protective and concerned about her well being, and rightfully so. Thus the dog he gave her some time ago and insistence on a security system. The dog, Harlequin, who is the size of a Mini Cooper, could hardly kill a flea, unfortunately.

Once again, Chrissy finds herself in the crosshairs without a clue why she became the target. Rivera can barely contain his anger as Chrissy provides details between sobs. Their romance sizzles between interruptions and you may wish for the battery in Rivera's phone to die once and for all.

Danger morphs like mushrooms popping up in dark confines and only when the pieces are sorted to form one puzzle will the mystery be solved.

[Lori Whitwam · Rating 1 out of 5]

For two books, I've been saying, "ENOUGH with the tension, the interruptions, and the 'oh, I wanted you so much two seconds ago, but now I'm angry and I hate you' scenarios!" Seriously. Your plots are good, but not spectacular, and you have to follow through on SOMETHING. But when Rivera actually SAID, "Maybe we should go slow, and really get to know each other better..." after no less than 7 months of periodically erupting in hormone-induced lust and ripping off each other's clothes, I was done. Might've been her best actual mystery yet, but I'll never know. There's too much out there to read to keep reading the same story, with no relationship progression, through 4 books.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like this series it's laugh out loud funny but I found myself wishing they would get on with it already. Not the sex because they finally are moving in that direction. Oh wait, didn't Rivera say lets take it slow and get to know each other (after months of being hot and heavy and interrupted?) But the brother. Honestly I wanted to strangle Chrissy's brother Peter John. What a nincompoop. Chrissy has the patience of a saint because I probably would have shot him like she threatened. I love Rivera's protectiveness which is comfortably wrapped up with sarcasm and snippiness to hide his growing affection for Chrissy.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darn, it appears I missed #3 of this series. Chrissy is attacked and her ne’er do well brother shows up asking for her help. Chrissy and her brother are attacked. Chrissy helps him pay off a Chicago mobster who he says is responsible for the attacks on him and Chrissy. Another attack – who is doing the bad stuff? Rivera is also in the mix to add the sexual tension. Again, pretty funny, although by this book some of the smart-a**-ness was a little old – maybe too much focus on the snappy dialogue (can’t believe I would say perhaps there could be too much sarcasm or perhaps reading three of these in a row isn't the best way).

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was alright, not my favorite in the series. Christ's slacker brother shows up driving a Corvette with a shady story about how he acquired it. Christy encounters a guy who claims to be a contractor in business with his brother and offers to repair Chrissy's home garage. He shows up uninvited at Chrissy's house and is eventually killed right in front of Chrissy. So sets off the chain of events that includes trips to Chicago to confront a mutton-chop loan shark, a visit to see her former mentor-turned-attempted murderer, and the scorned, abusive ex-husband of a bride to be. And for crying out loud, will Chrissy and Rivera ever get it on?

[Cmkage · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite in the series. I loved that there is finally some real development in the relationship between Rivera and Chrissy. The McMullen clan was as entertaining as always, and I kind of had a thing for D. I'm hoping he will appear in later books.

The plot was interesting as well and the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter were still funny. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chrissy and her brother have a true love hate relationship going on. In this book you can understand that hate part a bit more, and who doesn't love their sibling no matter what... even if he puts your life in jeopardy.

I am getting frustrated with the Rivera and Chrissy relationship, are they or aren't they? And how much more trouble can these two get into, and it be believable?

[Josi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fun. Poor Chrissy all these things keep happening to her. Her brother is to blame for most of them in this book. I keep waiting for her and Rivera to get together, but his phone keeps interrupting. This series keeps me laughing though. I am ready to read the next book in the series.

[Janeene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite new series that I found in 2008 - this is the 4th book in the series and I look forward to more. This series will be in my favorite reads for 2008!

[Sandra McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the characters, I love the action, and I love all the plot twists, but I was a little disappointed with the ending. Still a fun read and I look forward to reading the next inthe series!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Chrissy McMullen character. If you are looking for a great laugh - pick up one from this series.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-1/2 stars

[Qui2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are simple books solely for mindless entertainment, and I like them.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are some of the funniest mystery novels I've ever read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

[Evelyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read.

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

still loving the series, can't wait to read the next one.

[Bethann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read...love Christina and Rivera!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. I wasn't as into this book as the last one, but still enjoyable.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed this as she says things I would say (=

[Stacie Haden · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a few little things that irked me, but overall another fun read from Ms Greiman. On to "One Hot Mess" :)

[Pamela McDowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, fast-paced fluff - I love it!