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Paradise Valley Mystery #1
The Scent of Lies
She wants answers. He wishes he didn’t want her. Can they stave off a killer long enough to give love a second chance?
Emily lost her P.I. husband far too soon. To pay the mounting bills and solve his cold-case murder, she dives headfirst into the family business. When she takes the case of a wrongfully accused wife, Emily’s biggest obstacle is a sexy cop who refuses to back down.
Detective Colin Andrews catches killers to forget his tragic past. When a cute PI doubts his hunch about a murderer, he can’t close the case or get the gorgeous rival off his mind. But if he’s not careful, his budding feelings may prove to be a fatal distraction.
As Emily and Colin’s clash brings them closer, can they uncover the truth before a murderer kills off their happy ending?
The Scent of Lies is the first book in the Paradise Valley romantic cozy mystery series. If you like captivating characters, juicy intrigue, and clean romance, then you’ll love New York Times bestselling author Debra Burroughs’ engaging stories.
Emily lost her P.I. husband far too soon. To pay the mounting bills and solve his cold-case murder, she dives headfirst into the family business. When she takes the case of a wrongfully accused wife, Emily’s biggest obstacle is a sexy cop who refuses to back down.
Detective Colin Andrews catches killers to forget his tragic past. When a cute PI doubts his hunch about a murderer, he can’t close the case or get the gorgeous rival off his mind. But if he’s not careful, his budding feelings may prove to be a fatal distraction.
As Emily and Colin’s clash brings them closer, can they uncover the truth before a murderer kills off their happy ending?
The Scent of Lies is the first book in the Paradise Valley romantic cozy mystery series. If you like captivating characters, juicy intrigue, and clean romance, then you’ll love New York Times bestselling author Debra Burroughs’ engaging stories.
330 pages, ebook
First published June 7, 2012
1648 people are currently reading
1735 people want to read
About the author
Debra Burroughs
26 books226 followersDebra Burroughs writes with intensity and power. Her characters are rich and the stories are full of compelling suspense and real romance. She can be found, most days, sitting in front of her computer in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, dreaming up and writing about strong women, their relationships with men (good and bad), involved in exciting, mysterious, and romantic situations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
August 26, 2013
I realise that this book is the first in a series, but that isn't as excuse not to finish the book.
Written in a very simple, almost teenage style - no imagery or details, just what they did and said - this novel is littered with repetition and misplaces commas.
The mystery surrounding Emily's husband is not answered and the identity of the murderer is screamingly obvious.
Disappointing.
***
March 3, 2013
Pros: Interesting setting, good mystery, excellent editing
Cons: Did not like most characters (maIn character EmIly was not "sweet" as descrIbed once In book - she reacts strangley & abandons frIends In the mIddle of conversatIons on numerous occasIons), several unanswered matters (so does she ever officially quit her original job?), dialogue seemed fake most times (always full sentences and never a "uh huh" etc), overuse of word "scream" during conversations, sometimes unimaginative situations (felt lIke I could IdentIfy the kIller before the end), plot inconsistencies (she's worried about money at first but then never worries again)
Cons: Did not like most characters (maIn character EmIly was not "sweet" as descrIbed once In book - she reacts strangley & abandons frIends In the mIddle of conversatIons on numerous occasIons), several unanswered matters (so does she ever officially quit her original job?), dialogue seemed fake most times (always full sentences and never a "uh huh" etc), overuse of word "scream" during conversations, sometimes unimaginative situations (felt lIke I could IdentIfy the kIller before the end), plot inconsistencies (she's worried about money at first but then never worries again)
September 8, 2013
The Scent of Lies is Book 1 of 4 in the Paradise Valley Mysteries series by Debra Burroughs. This is a romantic mystery, but unlike many of this genre, it is not heavy-handed romance with the mystery as a sideline. The emphasis is on the mystery, or mysteries in this instance. I find that very refreshing. There is nothing wrong with romance, but if you are going to call it a mystery, that should be the focal point. Ms. Burroughs has an excellent balance of both throughout the entire book.
Emily Parker is a young widow whose husband, Evan Parker, Private Investigator, was murdered in his own office 6 months ago. While looking for answers into his death, Emily discovers more questions. Was he really the man that she thought he was? When she is asked by a client of Evan’s, Delia, to investigate Delia’s husband, she is interested and encouraged by her close circle of friend’s to take over Evan’s P.I. business. Then Delia’s husband is murdered. To complicate matters, Emily is introduced to the sexy new police detective, who is convinced Emily’s first client is guilty of murdering her husband. Emily must fight for her client before Delia goes to prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Or did she? Emily fights to prove Delia’s innocence as she also tries to fight the budding attraction to the new police detective; who is trying to keep Emily alive long enough to see if she could be the one to mend his heart.
Ms. Burroughs has the beginning to a winning series with The Scent of Lies. The reader is immediately rooting for Emily, for her to solve the case, get the answers about Evan’s murder, and for the new romance building for her. She has several strong female characters and men that support them rather than feel threatened by their resolve. Not all of the answers are given, it is the beginning of a series after all. The reader is given enough to pique the interest to continue reading the series, but not a gratuitous major cliffhanger that makes the reader feel cheated at the end. I highly recommend The Scent of Lies. I will be reading the entire series of Paradise Valley Mysteries. I hope you’ll join me. See all of my reviews on my blog: http://rebeccavance.com
Emily Parker is a young widow whose husband, Evan Parker, Private Investigator, was murdered in his own office 6 months ago. While looking for answers into his death, Emily discovers more questions. Was he really the man that she thought he was? When she is asked by a client of Evan’s, Delia, to investigate Delia’s husband, she is interested and encouraged by her close circle of friend’s to take over Evan’s P.I. business. Then Delia’s husband is murdered. To complicate matters, Emily is introduced to the sexy new police detective, who is convinced Emily’s first client is guilty of murdering her husband. Emily must fight for her client before Delia goes to prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Or did she? Emily fights to prove Delia’s innocence as she also tries to fight the budding attraction to the new police detective; who is trying to keep Emily alive long enough to see if she could be the one to mend his heart.
Ms. Burroughs has the beginning to a winning series with The Scent of Lies. The reader is immediately rooting for Emily, for her to solve the case, get the answers about Evan’s murder, and for the new romance building for her. She has several strong female characters and men that support them rather than feel threatened by their resolve. Not all of the answers are given, it is the beginning of a series after all. The reader is given enough to pique the interest to continue reading the series, but not a gratuitous major cliffhanger that makes the reader feel cheated at the end. I highly recommend The Scent of Lies. I will be reading the entire series of Paradise Valley Mysteries. I hope you’ll join me. See all of my reviews on my blog: http://rebeccavance.com
February 7, 2013
"The Scent of Lies", is Book 1 in the Paradise Valley Mystery Series by Debra Burroughs and it is chock full of mystery. Emily is a young widow whose husband, Evan, was murdered six months ago and the murder has yet to be solved. There is a new detective in town from the big city, Colin and things are about to change. As Emily transitions from her real estate career to taking over Evan's private investigation business things get shaken up in the small town of Paradise Valley. Her first client (Evan's last) is Delia, the owner of the largest factory in town.
Not long after Emily begins tailing Delia's husband Ricardo he ends up dead and Delia is holding the knife. As the case becomes finding out who killed Ricardo, Emily and Colin are thrown together investigating from both sides of the aisle. Amidst the investigation Emily uncovers mysteries about Evan that leave her wondering if she really knew him at all.
Burroughs has created a great cast of characters in this novel. The main players, Emily, Colin, Isabel and Alex are nicely developed and likeable characters. The pacing is fast and the unraveling of the mystery keeps you reading to find out what happens next. A fun read! I look forward to more in the series.
Not long after Emily begins tailing Delia's husband Ricardo he ends up dead and Delia is holding the knife. As the case becomes finding out who killed Ricardo, Emily and Colin are thrown together investigating from both sides of the aisle. Amidst the investigation Emily uncovers mysteries about Evan that leave her wondering if she really knew him at all.
Burroughs has created a great cast of characters in this novel. The main players, Emily, Colin, Isabel and Alex are nicely developed and likeable characters. The pacing is fast and the unraveling of the mystery keeps you reading to find out what happens next. A fun read! I look forward to more in the series.
April 1, 2016
A clean novel. Very refreshing. No swearing, graphic violence or sex. The Scent of Lies is all about the characters and story. The female heroine, real estate agent Emily, becomes a Private Investigator after the death of her husband leads her to suspect he had a double life. She's a strong and intelligent woman who I liked immediately, and her romance with police detective, Colin is a classic, irritation to passion love story.
The Scent of Lies has a nicely woven plot with intrigue, suspense and a surprising twist. I found it easy to read and entertaining. The characters were interesting and believable, the author's writing simple and engaging. Even if you don't usually read romance or mystery/romance, I think you'll enjoy The Scent of Lies.
The Scent of Lies has a nicely woven plot with intrigue, suspense and a surprising twist. I found it easy to read and entertaining. The characters were interesting and believable, the author's writing simple and engaging. Even if you don't usually read romance or mystery/romance, I think you'll enjoy The Scent of Lies.
June 10, 2015
Debra Burroughs is a new favorite author of mine after reading this WONDERFUL book! Our heroine Emily Parker, real estate agent and widow of PI Evan Parker, finds mystery surrounding the murder of her husband and decides to do some sleuthing on her own. Our hero is Colin Andrews, local Police Detective who is attracted to this stubborn lady PI as she investigates the same murder case!! Throw in well meaning girlfriends and their husbands and you have a wonderfully light romantic suspense story you won't want to put down!!!
August 23, 2018
I wanted to like this book and didn’t. The story was way too predictable and the villain was obvious to the reader while confounding all the book’s characters. The love story was not super believable and the male lead was snide and annoying at times—I wouldn’t have stuck around. Also left one mystery unsolved at the end (maybe they come back to it in another book) but it was left hanging and therefore unfulfilling.
July 30, 2012
I can't give away too much without spilling... This book is a quick read. I enjoyed it. It was a tad slow in the beginning, but sometimes, it needs to be, so you get a good understanding of what the characters have gone through that influences the decisions they make now.
Having said that, you really end up rooting for the heroine. You will not be disappointed in the twists this book delivers.
Having said that, you really end up rooting for the heroine. You will not be disappointed in the twists this book delivers.
June 29, 2015
Ok mystery.
October 22, 2021
Not typically my genre, but once started, this clean, mesmerizing murder mystery was hard to put down. Good character development, strong women are all the positives plus a 'who done it' scenario all the way through. The only thing missing was the mystery surrounding Emily's husband that was left unsaid. Otherwise, a fascinating read from beginning to end.
January 7, 2018
I borrowed The Scent of Lies from Kindle Unlimited program.
The Scent of Lies is a murder mystery that revolves around the owner of a scented candle company called 'Heaven Scent'. Emily Parker becomes a private investigator to continue the investigation that her husband started for the owner of 'Heaven Scent' before he was killed. She supposed to find out if the owner's husband is cheating on her.
When he is suddenly murdered, her client is the prime suspect, shots are taken at her several times and the new local police detective looks down at her as an inexperienced investigator with no skills, she is determined to solve the case and stop people from shooting at her.
I love a strong woman that can do a man's job and get the respect of the man in her life. Stories like that just makes a girl feel good.
The Scent of Lies is a murder mystery that revolves around the owner of a scented candle company called 'Heaven Scent'. Emily Parker becomes a private investigator to continue the investigation that her husband started for the owner of 'Heaven Scent' before he was killed. She supposed to find out if the owner's husband is cheating on her.
When he is suddenly murdered, her client is the prime suspect, shots are taken at her several times and the new local police detective looks down at her as an inexperienced investigator with no skills, she is determined to solve the case and stop people from shooting at her.
I love a strong woman that can do a man's job and get the respect of the man in her life. Stories like that just makes a girl feel good.
September 26, 2020
Emily Parker has been a widow for six months. Now as she investigates a murder she finds somehow her husbands death is tied into this new murder. The question is how?
Emily Parker has been a widow for six months. As she is picking up her life and rebuilding it by going into her husbands PI Business and reopening one of his old cases. She needs the money and thinks the change will be good for her.
Her five best friends are very encouraging and stand behind her all the way. They are also trying to get her to move on with her life by introducing her to the new detective in town. You know the one who doesn’t like her to be in the way of being shot at. And make rude comments when she shows up at murder scenes!
This is really well written. With humor, murder, warmth, and some cattyness. Small town politics and big town bites. Just great story.
Emily Parker has been a widow for six months. As she is picking up her life and rebuilding it by going into her husbands PI Business and reopening one of his old cases. She needs the money and thinks the change will be good for her.
Her five best friends are very encouraging and stand behind her all the way. They are also trying to get her to move on with her life by introducing her to the new detective in town. You know the one who doesn’t like her to be in the way of being shot at. And make rude comments when she shows up at murder scenes!
This is really well written. With humor, murder, warmth, and some cattyness. Small town politics and big town bites. Just great story.
January 10, 2013
Debra Burroughs hass once again has me addicted to yet another one of he books.I love the characters in this book.They are so real and so likeable you want them for your own.They all just be there for each other.Each time i thought i knew who the killer was,there would be some kind of twist to make me question myself.You were rooting for Emily from beginning.Can she solve this muder and really become a private investigator that she truly wants to be?She proves herself to all of those who doubt her.Iam hoping for a continuing of her hunt to find out more about her late husbands secerts.With the help from Colin,Alex,and Isabeland the rest of Emily's friends the bad guys dont stand a chance against the Smokin' Hot Lady PI.Cant wait to read the next book.
November 2, 2016
Excellent Debut of a series!
This is the first book I have read by Debra Burroughs but it won't be the last! It was a complex, interesting and exciting story with most of the characters being very well developed and realistic, even in their evil. The romance was a nice touch and added to the building excitement and suspense. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and learning the secrets Evan had worked so hard to keep Emily from knowing! I can't wait to learn all the answers as Emily and Colin work together to solve future mysteries including how to build a life together after they have both suffered such loss and are still coming to terms with their grief and this unexpected relationship!
This is the first book I have read by Debra Burroughs but it won't be the last! It was a complex, interesting and exciting story with most of the characters being very well developed and realistic, even in their evil. The romance was a nice touch and added to the building excitement and suspense. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and learning the secrets Evan had worked so hard to keep Emily from knowing! I can't wait to learn all the answers as Emily and Colin work together to solve future mysteries including how to build a life together after they have both suffered such loss and are still coming to terms with their grief and this unexpected relationship!
July 15, 2016
This is the second book I've read by Debra Hurroughs & tho I did enjoy it, it really lacked any real depth. The plot was easy enough to follow with no real suspense. I couldn't make up my mind about the main character, Emily Parker, whose husband was murdered & who decided to leave her lagging real estate business to take over her late husbands PI business. What bothered me the most about Emily was that whenever Emily was out with her friends she would end up abruptly walking out on them because they said or did something that upset her instead of talking it out with them. It felt like she was very immature.
February 12, 2014
Wonderful read. Thoroughly enjoyed the story line and characters. The growing relationship between Emily a.d Colin made you root for old fashioned romance that needs time to grow and flourish. Looking forward to reading next book.
Wonderful read. Thoroughly enjoyed the story line and characters. The growing relationship between Emily a.d Colin made you root for old fashioned romance that needs time to grow and flourish. Looking forward to reading next book.
would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery or love story. most enjoyable and well written
Wonderful read. Thoroughly enjoyed the story line and characters. The growing relationship between Emily a.d Colin made you root for old fashioned romance that needs time to grow and flourish. Looking forward to reading next book.
would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery or love story. most enjoyable and well written
November 4, 2016
3.5 Torn Stars
I am torn by this book as I both read and listened to it. I really have to say that the narrator of the book left me flat. Which did affect my overall enjoyment of the characters and plot. The book focuses around Emily recent widow and thrown into a career change from realtor to private investigator. Her first case spirals from a roving hubby investigation to murder. Whoopsie. She meets the sexy new town cop and sparks fly. Hmmm or sparks would fly if the narrator would not have made the characters sound bored with the action taking place around them. So I do plan to continue the series, but as a reader not a listener.
I am torn by this book as I both read and listened to it. I really have to say that the narrator of the book left me flat. Which did affect my overall enjoyment of the characters and plot. The book focuses around Emily recent widow and thrown into a career change from realtor to private investigator. Her first case spirals from a roving hubby investigation to murder. Whoopsie. She meets the sexy new town cop and sparks fly. Hmmm or sparks would fly if the narrator would not have made the characters sound bored with the action taking place around them. So I do plan to continue the series, but as a reader not a listener.
July 12, 2012
Burroughs is a good writer, and I enjoyed her characters and the story. Just a warning: don't get upset when you get to the end of this book and discover that she has left you hanging about one of the two mysteries in the book. Since this is Book 1, I'm assuming Book 2 will follow the first mystery through to its conclusion. I have to admit that I was disappointed that I wouldn't be able to experience closure, however. Despite my issue with her "leaving me hanging," I would recommend her books to anyone because she has a very addictive writing style.
October 23, 2016
ENTICING PAGE TURNER
I'm an obsessive suspense reader but not in the romance genre. But this story THE Scent of Lies was engaging, suspenseful, edgy and the romance was just the right amount to keep it interesting but not turn it into a soap opera. This is my first book with this Author Deborah Burroughs and I'm already looking forward to reading many more by her. Her writing skills are top notch, her characters real and very visual and the suspense keeps you hanging until the very end...
Love her style and work!
I'm an obsessive suspense reader but not in the romance genre. But this story THE Scent of Lies was engaging, suspenseful, edgy and the romance was just the right amount to keep it interesting but not turn it into a soap opera. This is my first book with this Author Deborah Burroughs and I'm already looking forward to reading many more by her. Her writing skills are top notch, her characters real and very visual and the suspense keeps you hanging until the very end...
Love her style and work!
October 21, 2019
'The Scent of Lies' starts slow, so don't stop. A enjoyable relief from a heart-pounding, scared-to-death thriller, it gains speed and becomes quite interesting, enough that I am ready to start the second book. Put yourself in Emily's place - husband just killed, she is still a bit scared and wants to know exactly what happened to him and why. While her friends are setting her up with a new guy, her husband's last client asks her to complete the job he had started. She is a bit naïve but holds her own in the role she steps into. Emily is quite believable; keep reading.
July 13, 2017
A Stupendous Read
Great characters, fast paced action, and multiple plots. What more can you ask for. A cheating husband that will sleep with anyone is murdered. Of course this leaves several suspects. Our main character is tenacious in finding the real killer. She and her friends will prevail in the end but you have to get her book to find out. Getting excited to read this author's other works. Know I will not be disappointed.
Great characters, fast paced action, and multiple plots. What more can you ask for. A cheating husband that will sleep with anyone is murdered. Of course this leaves several suspects. Our main character is tenacious in finding the real killer. She and her friends will prevail in the end but you have to get her book to find out. Getting excited to read this author's other works. Know I will not be disappointed.
May 12, 2013
I found it predictable and the inconsistencies and errors throughout were annoying. I can't say that I really have too much desire to continue the series at this point. This one was a freebie on Kindle and unfortunately, it just didn't hook me enough to pay for the rest of the series like some of the freebies do.
August 26, 2013
This was a great little book and I really enjoyed reading it! I am looking forward to reading the rest in the series! The story line was great, the characters were fun and well developed and the writing smooth and with little grammar/spelling issues. This author will definitely be put on my list to keep a look out for any new books!
December 10, 2013
Fantastic Read
I really love a good mystery and I had a hard time putting this one down. I will now count Debra Burroughs among my favorite mystery authors. Ms Burrows ranks right up there with Robert Parker (Jesse Stone) & Lillian Jackson Braun (Cat Who...) I look forward to the next book in this series!
I really love a good mystery and I had a hard time putting this one down. I will now count Debra Burroughs among my favorite mystery authors. Ms Burrows ranks right up there with Robert Parker (Jesse Stone) & Lillian Jackson Braun (Cat Who...) I look forward to the next book in this series!
May 30, 2014
Good murder mystery
Debra Burrourghs takes the reader on a ride with many twists and turns. This story is well written and has an ending that is gratifying. The reader can't help but get involved with the characters,either. They seem as real as your next door neighbor or your best friend. I look forward to book 2!
Debra Burrourghs takes the reader on a ride with many twists and turns. This story is well written and has an ending that is gratifying. The reader can't help but get involved with the characters,either. They seem as real as your next door neighbor or your best friend. I look forward to book 2!
October 26, 2015
Good read and relaxing
I enjoy a book that allows you to enjoy and relax. This book was a good mix of characters but I did suspect the killer- but I like to just relax as I read and not have to analyze. I read and teach so a book that allows that "escape" makes this a good read and fun. I am a reading addict and this was just what I needed.
I enjoy a book that allows you to enjoy and relax. This book was a good mix of characters but I did suspect the killer- but I like to just relax as I read and not have to analyze. I read and teach so a book that allows that "escape" makes this a good read and fun. I am a reading addict and this was just what I needed.
July 15, 2016
Considering that I knew who the murderer was about halfway through the book, I don't consider this to number among the better-written books I've read. Furthermore, the cutesiness of the relationship seemed to me a bit like frozen syrup. Blech! I got the three-volume set, but I won't be reading any other titles by Ms. Burroughs.
February 15, 2017
Widow of Evan, Realtor to Private Investigator
Will Emily find out who killed her husband, Evan. Who was Evan? Will she make investigating a career? Will Colin, the hunky Police Investigator become important to Emily? Will she survive her first case? Is her client innocent? I guess you'll have to read to find out.
Will Emily find out who killed her husband, Evan. Who was Evan? Will she make investigating a career? Will Colin, the hunky Police Investigator become important to Emily? Will she survive her first case? Is her client innocent? I guess you'll have to read to find out.
September 6, 2020
Great book
I couldn't put this book down!! I read it in one sitting. I loved the characters, the mystery of who did what and the storyline. They all kept me totally engaged in the story from start to finish! I can tell this is going to be another great series by Debra Burroughs
I couldn't put this book down!! I read it in one sitting. I loved the characters, the mystery of who did what and the storyline. They all kept me totally engaged in the story from start to finish! I can tell this is going to be another great series by Debra Burroughs
September 2, 2012
A really good storyline! Usually I don't read mystery type books because I tend to guess who it is in the beginning and then end up bored through the whole book, but I had no idea until the last couple of chapters! A must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews