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Shallow End Gals Trilogy #1
Alcohol Was Not Involved
FBI Special Agents Roger Dance and Paul Casey are faced with the worst case of their careers. Beautiful women are missing. Some are showing up weeks later next to busy highways in broad daylight. Dead, strangled, and dumped, like trash. Some are being held captive, prisoners, and starved to death. None of the traditional rules of profiling seem to apply, and the body count keeps growing. * Four friends die in an auto accident only to discover that Heaven has decided to make them 'special' Angels, whose purpose is to help mortals do good. Faced with learning their new Angel skills at the same time they accept their first assignment, to help Roger and Paul catch the murderer, the Angels find themselves somewhat torn between their mortal attributes and Angel rules. For Roger and Paul (and the FBI) law enforcement will never be the same.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2012
68 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 20, 2018
Enjoyable but not great.
I found this book enjoyable, with a few good laughs at the girls antics but I wasn't completely engrossed in it. The characters were well written and the storyline had a good paced story to it.
I found this book enjoyable, with a few good laughs at the girls antics but I wasn't completely engrossed in it. The characters were well written and the storyline had a good paced story to it.
October 31, 2015
Alcohol Was Not Involved
When I got this book I had no idea what to expect. The blurb caught my attention and I decided to give it a try. Four friends are in a car crash and they wake up to find they're dead. So, the kicker is they're almost in heaven but they have to learn how to be angels. You might think this would involve learning how to fly and play the harp. If that was your guess you would be wrong. They have to learn how to help people on earth without people knowing it.
This is a fun book with great characters whose antics kept me smiling. Their assignment is to help apprehend a serial killer who targets women. I know serial killer and smiling is a rather odd combination but Teresa Duncan's writing makes it work. I will be reading the second book Extreme Heat soon. In my opinion, that's the best recommendation I can give a writer.
When I got this book I had no idea what to expect. The blurb caught my attention and I decided to give it a try. Four friends are in a car crash and they wake up to find they're dead. So, the kicker is they're almost in heaven but they have to learn how to be angels. You might think this would involve learning how to fly and play the harp. If that was your guess you would be wrong. They have to learn how to help people on earth without people knowing it.
This is a fun book with great characters whose antics kept me smiling. Their assignment is to help apprehend a serial killer who targets women. I know serial killer and smiling is a rather odd combination but Teresa Duncan's writing makes it work. I will be reading the second book Extreme Heat soon. In my opinion, that's the best recommendation I can give a writer.
January 12, 2015
Stranger than this book is the fact that I really enjoyed this book ! The first two chapters I wanted to put it down and walk away . After that I could NOT put it down or walk away . Very different mystery , solved with the help of angels . ;-)
February 5, 2019
I wanted to like this book. The idea - 4 new angels help the FBI catch a serial killer - was a really good one. However, the author really needs to learn how to write.
The angels were very flat and interchangeable. At some point, the author referred to the narrator-angel as I, and sometimes as Vicki. (This was not a case of someone else calling Vicki by her name. More like "Teresa and Vicki did this thing.")
The FBI agents were supposed to be really experienced, but were making countless procedural errors. The connection between the victims would have been obvious to anyone who did any kind of check into their backgrounds.
The killer was a caricature; I could almost picture him twirling his mustache with maniacal glee.
I wanted to like this book, and I gave it more time than I normally would, hoping it would get better. It never did, and I finally gave up.
The angels were very flat and interchangeable. At some point, the author referred to the narrator-angel as I, and sometimes as Vicki. (This was not a case of someone else calling Vicki by her name. More like "Teresa and Vicki did this thing.")
The FBI agents were supposed to be really experienced, but were making countless procedural errors. The connection between the victims would have been obvious to anyone who did any kind of check into their backgrounds.
The killer was a caricature; I could almost picture him twirling his mustache with maniacal glee.
I wanted to like this book, and I gave it more time than I normally would, hoping it would get better. It never did, and I finally gave up.
Read
July 5, 2020Alcohol Was Not Involved
Mixture of drama, comedy, suspense, and mystery. 4 best friends are killed in a car accident and become angels-in-training. Their first assignment after a brief educational period is to help the police and FBI catch a serial killer. Fantastic world and character building and characters that are easy to care about. The ladies' training and thought processes are entertaining, and their 2 main trainers are duplicates of Betty White and Ellen Degeneres, adding to the comedy. My only issue with the book, the reason for 4 stars instead of 5, is the repeated, unnecessary use of italics and bold print during conversations, especially in the beginning of the book....it simply didn't make sense and was distracting and annoying.
Mixture of drama, comedy, suspense, and mystery. 4 best friends are killed in a car accident and become angels-in-training. Their first assignment after a brief educational period is to help the police and FBI catch a serial killer. Fantastic world and character building and characters that are easy to care about. The ladies' training and thought processes are entertaining, and their 2 main trainers are duplicates of Betty White and Ellen Degeneres, adding to the comedy. My only issue with the book, the reason for 4 stars instead of 5, is the repeated, unnecessary use of italics and bold print during conversations, especially in the beginning of the book....it simply didn't make sense and was distracting and annoying.
August 29, 2017
Excellent
This book was an excellent read. It had me gripped from the beginning to end. Teresa Duncan is an excellent writer. This was the first book of hers I read and was very pleased with it. It had a great storyline and character's and had me chuckling out loud too. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This book was an excellent read. It had me gripped from the beginning to end. Teresa Duncan is an excellent writer. This was the first book of hers I read and was very pleased with it. It had a great storyline and character's and had me chuckling out loud too. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
February 20, 2018
Would have enjoyed this book more if their weren't so many page's missing!
Would have enjoyed this book more if their weren't so many pages missing, made it harder to follow the story line. But still held my interest.
Would have enjoyed this book more if their weren't so many pages missing, made it harder to follow the story line. But still held my interest.
July 27, 2025
What started as a full on time book developed into an interesting read
Once you get into the story line the book developed into a at times funny and would then become serious. Definitely worth a read
Once you get into the story line the book developed into a at times funny and would then become serious. Definitely worth a read
September 27, 2017
A humorous story about four new angels helping the FBI find a serial killer; totally different and engaging
October 26, 2017
Great Read
Well written. Side spliittingly funny. Good characters. Gotta have more by these ladies!!! This goes on my read again list.?
Well written. Side spliittingly funny. Good characters. Gotta have more by these ladies!!! This goes on my read again list.?
June 16, 2022
What a clever plot. Generally, I find police procedurals and serial killer mysteries are dark, Dark, DARK! A little humor adds perfection to this mix. I can't wait to read book 2.
February 6, 2017
When I started this book, I didn't think I was going to like this book at all. It was so weird. I gave it a chance and I fell in love with these Angels in Training and their mortals. The sick things this serial killer does is absolutely appalling and I'm so glad they are there to help bring them to justice.
October 12, 2012
A book of a different sort!
When I first looked at the book, I thought naw not my kinda book. Even after I started reading it I wasn't sure of I'd like it.
After a while I looked down and realized I was over half way though! I giggled at my self,lololol, apparently I like it!
This book does have a serious and tragic side to it, but it is also light and funny.
Tho I do beleive personally in gardian angels... I've never thought of this aspect of them,lololol, what a wonderful thought!
The story was very well written, humorous, thought provoking and just plain fun to read!
Yes it is a different kinda book!
Now... I always give an honest review, so I need to address this one issue I have with the book.
Please understand that this is NOT to take away from the great job the author did but to give constructive help.
The difference between a good author and a great one depends on three things: (1) The beginning (2) The actual story (3) The ending.
This author has the first two down packed... But they need to work on the ending. This book SHOULD have ended right before the chapter "One year later". Or at least when they realized that there was a problem at the trial...
Telling what happened to the characters would have been fine, but the rest should have been offered as a "Read the first chapter of the next book" type of thing, giving the reader the option of being left hanging.The book ending was like watching movie and just as it gets good the electricity goes out!
I knew this book was in a series. The key to great series writers is that each book actually ends, the characters are so interesting and we get so involved with them, that the reader wants to continue reading the next one to find out their next adventure.
The way this ending left me frustrated! I either now have to wait for the next book to be written, is in e-book or I have the funds to get it... If this had been a physical book I might have thrown it!
I know this was ment to cause the reader to want to buy the next book... But for me it will do the opposit.... I would more apt to NOT start a series that does this.
Have enough confidence in your writing that you don't NEED this ploy to sell books. This book WAS good enough I'd have wanted to read the rest....
When I first looked at the book, I thought naw not my kinda book. Even after I started reading it I wasn't sure of I'd like it.
After a while I looked down and realized I was over half way though! I giggled at my self,lololol, apparently I like it!
This book does have a serious and tragic side to it, but it is also light and funny.
Tho I do beleive personally in gardian angels... I've never thought of this aspect of them,lololol, what a wonderful thought!
The story was very well written, humorous, thought provoking and just plain fun to read!
Yes it is a different kinda book!
Now... I always give an honest review, so I need to address this one issue I have with the book.
Please understand that this is NOT to take away from the great job the author did but to give constructive help.
The difference between a good author and a great one depends on three things: (1) The beginning (2) The actual story (3) The ending.
This author has the first two down packed... But they need to work on the ending. This book SHOULD have ended right before the chapter "One year later". Or at least when they realized that there was a problem at the trial...
Telling what happened to the characters would have been fine, but the rest should have been offered as a "Read the first chapter of the next book" type of thing, giving the reader the option of being left hanging.The book ending was like watching movie and just as it gets good the electricity goes out!
I knew this book was in a series. The key to great series writers is that each book actually ends, the characters are so interesting and we get so involved with them, that the reader wants to continue reading the next one to find out their next adventure.
The way this ending left me frustrated! I either now have to wait for the next book to be written, is in e-book or I have the funds to get it... If this had been a physical book I might have thrown it!
I know this was ment to cause the reader to want to buy the next book... But for me it will do the opposit.... I would more apt to NOT start a series that does this.
Have enough confidence in your writing that you don't NEED this ploy to sell books. This book WAS good enough I'd have wanted to read the rest....
March 8, 2016
Before I get any further, I have to say, 'you've got to hand it to these girls.' You do see books authored by more than one person, of course, but five? I'm impressed! I'm unable to work with one person let alone five. Plus, the friendship between the five women must be pretty strong.
Alcohol Was Not Involved written by the five ladies is good. It's interesting, humorous and shocking all in one go. This is a plot that could have been extremely difficult to pull off – a group of female ghosts aiding the police to hunt down a ruthless and prolific killer. So, it was hardly surprising that at some moments in the book, the inevitable happened and I did get lost. There are so many characters featured in the novel that it became hard for me to remember who was who and what significance they had to the storyline.
On a side note, I loved the inclusion of the cat as a cloaking of a main character, especially when it helped to obtain DNA from the suspected killer. Classic! I also loved the tie-in of the victim to the car-crash that also ended the protagonists lives, back to the killer himself.
Another problem for me, though, was the ending. I would have preferred it if it had finished a little quicker. It went on a little too long for my liking. But, then, it's a long book so maybe a few more pages wouldn't be too much of a problem for most readers. I think it's probably something to do with the fact that as soon as the killer's identity had been established, my brain had already perceived the book as finished. I just wanted a quick conclusion.
But, I can't deny that the book is a great read for lovers of the paranormal and crime alike.
Alcohol Was Not Involved written by the five ladies is good. It's interesting, humorous and shocking all in one go. This is a plot that could have been extremely difficult to pull off – a group of female ghosts aiding the police to hunt down a ruthless and prolific killer. So, it was hardly surprising that at some moments in the book, the inevitable happened and I did get lost. There are so many characters featured in the novel that it became hard for me to remember who was who and what significance they had to the storyline.
On a side note, I loved the inclusion of the cat as a cloaking of a main character, especially when it helped to obtain DNA from the suspected killer. Classic! I also loved the tie-in of the victim to the car-crash that also ended the protagonists lives, back to the killer himself.
Another problem for me, though, was the ending. I would have preferred it if it had finished a little quicker. It went on a little too long for my liking. But, then, it's a long book so maybe a few more pages wouldn't be too much of a problem for most readers. I think it's probably something to do with the fact that as soon as the killer's identity had been established, my brain had already perceived the book as finished. I just wanted a quick conclusion.
But, I can't deny that the book is a great read for lovers of the paranormal and crime alike.
August 23, 2014
Hmm, not sure how to categorize this one. Entertaining until last disjointed chapter.
Hmm, not sure how to categorize this one. Entertaining until last disjointed chapter.
I thought this was a good story with humorous fictional musings of what heaven may be like. The murder mystery part of the book was great, and the heavenly help was funny. But, the story took a disjointed turn at the end by going to the southern swamps with mystical powers, warrior Haitian women, and a mambo mama. I'm sure this must be a set-up for book two, but I think it would have been a better beginning for the next book than an ending for this one. It was enough for me to muse about four women killed in a head on crash and going to heavenly college for group angel training, then coming back with some instructors to help police and FBI solve the murder. However, it was way too much for me to then suddenly jump to the swamp scene after the angels practice some new skills on a huge biker convention. I do see where this is going, but the road there really took too weird of a twist for me. I would have enjoyed seeing the only two surviving women fall for two of the law enforcers instead of the above scenario. I have to give the writers huge props for imagination!
Hmm, not sure how to categorize this one. Entertaining until last disjointed chapter.
I thought this was a good story with humorous fictional musings of what heaven may be like. The murder mystery part of the book was great, and the heavenly help was funny. But, the story took a disjointed turn at the end by going to the southern swamps with mystical powers, warrior Haitian women, and a mambo mama. I'm sure this must be a set-up for book two, but I think it would have been a better beginning for the next book than an ending for this one. It was enough for me to muse about four women killed in a head on crash and going to heavenly college for group angel training, then coming back with some instructors to help police and FBI solve the murder. However, it was way too much for me to then suddenly jump to the swamp scene after the angels practice some new skills on a huge biker convention. I do see where this is going, but the road there really took too weird of a twist for me. I would have enjoyed seeing the only two surviving women fall for two of the law enforcers instead of the above scenario. I have to give the writers huge props for imagination!
October 7, 2012
Such an entertaining book!! I'm sure one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much was because I knew many of the places mentioned. It's one of those books that you can't put down because you really need to know what is going to happen next. And then of course when you do make it to the end of the book...you really need to know what happens in the next book!!
The story premise was something I've never read before and I've read a heck of a lot of books. There were many times in the book where I was laughing hysterically and then would have to stop because the whole idea of the book is a chase of a killer, which of course, is not a funny thing. Yet, two pages later you are laughing again.
I recommend this book, because by far the plot line is probably not something you would ever find again. Plus, it's nice to have such humor in such a dramatic book.
Definitely can't wait to read the next two!!
The story premise was something I've never read before and I've read a heck of a lot of books. There were many times in the book where I was laughing hysterically and then would have to stop because the whole idea of the book is a chase of a killer, which of course, is not a funny thing. Yet, two pages later you are laughing again.
I recommend this book, because by far the plot line is probably not something you would ever find again. Plus, it's nice to have such humor in such a dramatic book.
Definitely can't wait to read the next two!!
September 26, 2014
A whimsical murder mystery
This was an interesting murder mystery with a touch of whimsy. How many law enforcement agencies can say they have seen the affects of almost angels helping their case. While the murders themselves are heinous the nearly angels sent to help solve the crimes bring a touch of comedy to the situation. The four almost angels are tied to the case itself through one of the victims. As the women learn their way around their new abilities the police and FBI struggle to solve the case. The story was a little slow moving and at times a little sluggish but I recommend you finish as the storyline and the characters have redeeming qualities. These near angels were known as the Shallow End Gals and the case although you think finished in book one actually fires up again in book two.
This was an interesting murder mystery with a touch of whimsy. How many law enforcement agencies can say they have seen the affects of almost angels helping their case. While the murders themselves are heinous the nearly angels sent to help solve the crimes bring a touch of comedy to the situation. The four almost angels are tied to the case itself through one of the victims. As the women learn their way around their new abilities the police and FBI struggle to solve the case. The story was a little slow moving and at times a little sluggish but I recommend you finish as the storyline and the characters have redeeming qualities. These near angels were known as the Shallow End Gals and the case although you think finished in book one actually fires up again in book two.
January 26, 2015
lDon't be fooled by the title. Really an angel intraining srory.
Story took me by suprise, grabbed my attention and held it until the end. Four ladies who cant believe they are angels take you on a wild journey as they try to pass the angel training classes a a group. They get to help a mortal and he turns out to be a FBI agent working a horrific serial murder case. .I recommend this book.
Story took me by suprise, grabbed my attention and held it until the end. Four ladies who cant believe they are angels take you on a wild journey as they try to pass the angel training classes a a group. They get to help a mortal and he turns out to be a FBI agent working a horrific serial murder case. .I recommend this book.
August 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this book it was quite different from the norm. A group of angels who were killed in a car crash and go to almost heaven and have to go for training lessons and then finding themselves helping the FBI to catch a serial killer. Very funny and intriguing at the same time. I would recommend this book.
August 30, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised with this book and read it in one day. The humor in the book was a nice break from the terrible murders. The concept of the angels taking classes and helping out the living was really neat. I'm very much looking forward to the next one.
September 13, 2013
Recommended!!!
December 23, 2013
Angels and cops, good and evil.
April 27, 2014
Wow
This book will keep you engaged all the way through. This group of crime solving "almost" angels and their mortal cohorts will leave you laughing and crying.
This book will keep you engaged all the way through. This group of crime solving "almost" angels and their mortal cohorts will leave you laughing and crying.
September 3, 2014
This was an unexpected read. The first two chapters were like going to the dentist, then picked up. Great murderer mystery with a little humor! Can't wait to read the next in the trilogy!!!!
June 16, 2015
Ok book
I gave it a 3 rating because parts of it are a little slow and I started losing interest. Then it would pick up again and I would get back into it.
I gave it a 3 rating because parts of it are a little slow and I started losing interest. Then it would pick up again and I would get back into it.
December 28, 2015
Different read
This book was different from those I usually read, but it was really good and kept me turning pages when I had other things to do.
This book was different from those I usually read, but it was really good and kept me turning pages when I had other things to do.
May 22, 2016
very good, funny and serious, loved the story
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews