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Blue Suede Memphis Mystery #1
Hound Dog Blues
She’s named after a motorcycle. Her Dad’s An Elvis Impersonator. Her Mom talks to Spirit Guides. Someone’s kidnapped the family dog — named King, in Elvis’s honor. There’s a ransom note.
And then things really get weird.
Memphis tour guide, Harley Jean Davidson, is about to enjoy a rare day off when her parents call with news that King, their border collie, has been dognapped. Harley Jean’s mom insists the culprit is Bruno Jett, their next door neighbor. Harley Jean would rather run over her own foot with a motorcycle than talk to him. He’s drop-dead gorgeous—with a dangerous attitude she’d like to avoid.
But King has to be rescued, so she sets off to find him. Harley Jean gets more than she bargains for when she finds a body, as well. Bruno Jett is definitely involved, but how?
The Memphis P.D. wants to pin the murder on Harley Jean’s dad. Now it’s up to her to clear his name . . . and avoid becoming the killer’s next victim.
And then things really get weird.
Memphis tour guide, Harley Jean Davidson, is about to enjoy a rare day off when her parents call with news that King, their border collie, has been dognapped. Harley Jean’s mom insists the culprit is Bruno Jett, their next door neighbor. Harley Jean would rather run over her own foot with a motorcycle than talk to him. He’s drop-dead gorgeous—with a dangerous attitude she’d like to avoid.
But King has to be rescued, so she sets off to find him. Harley Jean gets more than she bargains for when she finds a body, as well. Bruno Jett is definitely involved, but how?
The Memphis P.D. wants to pin the murder on Harley Jean’s dad. Now it’s up to her to clear his name . . . and avoid becoming the killer’s next victim.
Audiobook
First published February 22, 2012
31 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Brown
104 books107 followersSince writing her first romance novel in 1984, Virginia Brown has written nearly 50 romance novels. Many of her books have been nominated for Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice, Career Achievement Award for Love and Laughter, and Career Achievement Award for Adventure. Her works regularly appear on national bestseller lists. Having written under several different names about historical eras such as the old West, Regency-era, and the American Civil War, she now writes under a new pseudonym, Juliana Garnett, to focus upon the medieval era.
A native of Tennessee, Virginia spent her childhood traveling with her parents as a "military brat,” living all over the US and in Japan. This influenced her love of travel and adventure, which is reflected in her work.
Twice a year, Virginia visits England to research her novels, and includes Scotland in her travels. She feels this adds a new dimension to her work, and enables her to more authentically impart the true flavor of the geographical and historical sites.
In addition to appearing on the nationally syndicated television program What's Hot, What's Not, Virginia Brown has been interviewed by Jane Pauley on the Today Show, and regularly appears on local television and radio shows in addition to coverage by the press. She also experienced a first for a romance writer by appearing on the cover of Memphis, the magazine.
Virginia is the mother of four grown children, and now enjoys her menagerie of dogs that includes a fat beagle, two part-chows, a hound and five cats. As the grandmother of three lovely children, one of her greatest pleasures these days is visiting with Justin, Christina, and Gaby.
A native of Tennessee, Virginia spent her childhood traveling with her parents as a "military brat,” living all over the US and in Japan. This influenced her love of travel and adventure, which is reflected in her work.
Twice a year, Virginia visits England to research her novels, and includes Scotland in her travels. She feels this adds a new dimension to her work, and enables her to more authentically impart the true flavor of the geographical and historical sites.
In addition to appearing on the nationally syndicated television program What's Hot, What's Not, Virginia Brown has been interviewed by Jane Pauley on the Today Show, and regularly appears on local television and radio shows in addition to coverage by the press. She also experienced a first for a romance writer by appearing on the cover of Memphis, the magazine.
Virginia is the mother of four grown children, and now enjoys her menagerie of dogs that includes a fat beagle, two part-chows, a hound and five cats. As the grandmother of three lovely children, one of her greatest pleasures these days is visiting with Justin, Christina, and Gaby.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 19, 2013
This review is for the first three books in Virginia Brown's, Blue Suede Memphis series.
Hound Dog Blues Harley Davidson is a tour guide. Her life largely consists of driving Elvis fans around Memphis and showing them the sights. After her father's dog disappears she is enlisted to investigate the missing pooch case. Bumbling into a police investigation she finds herself the target of ruthless jewell thieves.
Harley Rushes In
Suspicious Mimes
This series reminds me a lot of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels.
I don't think it's a bad thing. Books like this aren't going to win any awards, but despite being predictable they are entertaining and great fun. These books are great comfort reads.
Hound Dog Blues Harley Davidson is a tour guide. Her life largely consists of driving Elvis fans around Memphis and showing them the sights. After her father's dog disappears she is enlisted to investigate the missing pooch case. Bumbling into a police investigation she finds herself the target of ruthless jewell thieves.
Harley Rushes In
Suspicious Mimes
This series reminds me a lot of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels.
I don't think it's a bad thing. Books like this aren't going to win any awards, but despite being predictable they are entertaining and great fun. These books are great comfort reads.
March 17, 2020
This is the first book by this author I have read or listened to but I liked it so it won't be my last. I liked the mystery and the mystery surround the mysterious next door neighbour and the humour was quirky enough that it was entertaining if not out right funny. The missing/dognapped dog was an unusual plot story, which is what hooked me to being with The characters were fun and kept me listening until the end just to work out what was going on.
Harley stumbles over a dead body when she is out looking for her parent's lost dog. The dog is hated by all the neighbours and when they recive a ransom note Harley had no idea that her top suspect, the woman who has a restraining order on her Dad because they have fought over the dog so often, would would be lying dead in her home. The worst thing is yet to come, Harley's parents disappear before the police can question them about her Dad being seen at the house, at least they found the dog before vanishing, one thing less to worry about. With Harley's hippy dad's freedom on the line Harley starts to investigate and that includes the hunky new neighbour who just moved into the house next to her parents. With missing parents, stolen jewellery, strange neighbours, a best friend cop who know more than he is telling and threats will Harley get to the bottom of the murder? And find her parents before the police?
I liked the fact that there is a male and female narrator and it did help the story but somehow it didn't work, I couldn't always tell who was supposed to be talking other than a man or lady, neither of the narrator's had much range between the characters voices and the males all sounded gruff and deep.
Harley stumbles over a dead body when she is out looking for her parent's lost dog. The dog is hated by all the neighbours and when they recive a ransom note Harley had no idea that her top suspect, the woman who has a restraining order on her Dad because they have fought over the dog so often, would would be lying dead in her home. The worst thing is yet to come, Harley's parents disappear before the police can question them about her Dad being seen at the house, at least they found the dog before vanishing, one thing less to worry about. With Harley's hippy dad's freedom on the line Harley starts to investigate and that includes the hunky new neighbour who just moved into the house next to her parents. With missing parents, stolen jewellery, strange neighbours, a best friend cop who know more than he is telling and threats will Harley get to the bottom of the murder? And find her parents before the police?
I liked the fact that there is a male and female narrator and it did help the story but somehow it didn't work, I couldn't always tell who was supposed to be talking other than a man or lady, neither of the narrator's had much range between the characters voices and the males all sounded gruff and deep.
May 10, 2020
This book had great characters. Harley riding Harley Jean Davidson, a tour guide in the land of Elvis is the daughter of aging hippies Yogi, an Elvis impersonator, and Diva who talks to spirits guides. Their dog King, named of course for Elvis, is kidnapped and they ask Harley to find him. Enter the cranky neighbor lady who hates King and Yogi, the creepy but hunky guy who just moved in next door and you have a funny but interesting story of jewel theft. Promising beginning to a series. I received a copy of the audiobook from the author and look forward to reading more of this series.
November 2, 2018
Fun read with outrageous characters. I know there are more books in the series, so I put them on my "want to read" list.
July 17, 2019
Very fun story, looking forward to reading the next book
February 21, 2015
Hound dog Blues
Who but a hippy, bike lovin' Elvis fan would name his girl child Harley Jean Davidson?
Well, that would be daddy, Yogi, now Yogi also has a dog, King, he loves this dog and feels a great spiritual attachment to him. The dog doesn't care much about all that stuff, as time after time he gets loose and causes chaos in the neighbourhood.
Harley, now a tour guide, gets the call. Find King. A simple enough request you may think, but wait! There's more ....... King hasn't simply gone missing, he has been dog napped! There's even a ransom note, very odd, thinks Harley, as everyone know Yogi and Diva barely make a living selling hippy stuff.
Harley immediately has a suspect in mind, Mrs. Trimble. King had taken to visiting her in the past, and they had developed a very unfortunate relationship. Mrs. Trimble also had no love for Yogi either, and so begins Harleys' outrageous adventure!
There is a body, there are missing jewels, and there is a missing Yogi and Diva who have now become prime suspects in a dreadful crime. It's all left to Harley to put right.
Meanwhile she gets her fashion advice from her coworker Tootsie, who also works part time as a drag artist, he knows everything a girl would want to know about hair and make up. She annoys the heck out of certain officers of the law, takes advantage of friends' homes ... and eats a lot of bean burritos.
This story takes the reader on a rollicking adventure with Harley, naturally, she solves the mysteries providing us with plenty of fun along the way. I enjoyed the characters and I'm hoping to get to know them better. I also enjoyed my visit to Memphis.
Narrator
I must admit, I was a bit concerned, as this book has both a male and female narrators, Karen Commins and Drew Commins. Following a few less than satisfactory experiences I wouldn't normally choose to listen to a book with more than one narrator, I knew Karen would be good, she's always good, but what about this Drew fella? Well, actually he too is very good, excellent distinct characterisation, no overacting, good timing, pleasant listening.
However, there is a big difference in the listening experience when there is more than one narrator, and I'm still not sure I care for it. There always the feeling that one of them is speaking from another room, or as if we are listening to them on speakerphone, and, for some reason, it's always the male voice. I've noticed this on all my audiobooks that have more than one narrator.
I think it's just a matter of preference though, I do know other listeners love to hear both male and female readers, so, maybe I should just get over it!
Who but a hippy, bike lovin' Elvis fan would name his girl child Harley Jean Davidson?
Well, that would be daddy, Yogi, now Yogi also has a dog, King, he loves this dog and feels a great spiritual attachment to him. The dog doesn't care much about all that stuff, as time after time he gets loose and causes chaos in the neighbourhood.
Harley, now a tour guide, gets the call. Find King. A simple enough request you may think, but wait! There's more ....... King hasn't simply gone missing, he has been dog napped! There's even a ransom note, very odd, thinks Harley, as everyone know Yogi and Diva barely make a living selling hippy stuff.
Harley immediately has a suspect in mind, Mrs. Trimble. King had taken to visiting her in the past, and they had developed a very unfortunate relationship. Mrs. Trimble also had no love for Yogi either, and so begins Harleys' outrageous adventure!
There is a body, there are missing jewels, and there is a missing Yogi and Diva who have now become prime suspects in a dreadful crime. It's all left to Harley to put right.
Meanwhile she gets her fashion advice from her coworker Tootsie, who also works part time as a drag artist, he knows everything a girl would want to know about hair and make up. She annoys the heck out of certain officers of the law, takes advantage of friends' homes ... and eats a lot of bean burritos.
This story takes the reader on a rollicking adventure with Harley, naturally, she solves the mysteries providing us with plenty of fun along the way. I enjoyed the characters and I'm hoping to get to know them better. I also enjoyed my visit to Memphis.
Narrator
I must admit, I was a bit concerned, as this book has both a male and female narrators, Karen Commins and Drew Commins. Following a few less than satisfactory experiences I wouldn't normally choose to listen to a book with more than one narrator, I knew Karen would be good, she's always good, but what about this Drew fella? Well, actually he too is very good, excellent distinct characterisation, no overacting, good timing, pleasant listening.
However, there is a big difference in the listening experience when there is more than one narrator, and I'm still not sure I care for it. There always the feeling that one of them is speaking from another room, or as if we are listening to them on speakerphone, and, for some reason, it's always the male voice. I've noticed this on all my audiobooks that have more than one narrator.
I think it's just a matter of preference though, I do know other listeners love to hear both male and female readers, so, maybe I should just get over it!
November 13, 2023
If you're up for comedy mystery, this is your book!
You MUST have a sense of humor if you plan to dive into a Memphis-based mystery in which the main character, Harley Jean Davidson, yes, she is named after a motorcycle, has an Elvis-impersonating father named Yogi, a mom, named Diva, who talks to spirit guides and the family dog, King (named after the King of Rock and Roll) is nabbed.
This is simply a fun, purely entertaining read - light, easy to put down and pick up again if you have small bits of time to read or are interrupted often.
I volunteered to listen to this book when the main narrator offered it on Goodreads with no review necessary. I was surprised that a review was not being asked, but I now understand. Getting the book "out there" is the hard part because once it is begun, you don't want to not finish the book(even if you find it a fairly predictable conclusion). There is plenty of entertainment to keep your interest to the end.
I have a great preference for audiobooks as I find narrators add so much more to a story than my internal reading voice. Not only do narrators read all of the words (you laugh, but I am sure I am not alone, when I am carried by a story, to find that I skim to get to the highlight of scenes), but experienced narrators capture the appropriate tone in their voice as well as the correct accent called for by the author. My inner reading voice doesn't do accents well, and tags for the verbal tone of a character often come after the dialogue. It is not overly helpful to read the dialogue, and then read that the words were spoken with laughter or with tears or in a whisper or with a shakey voice. Good narrators and good preparation, though, allow for the dialogue to be spoken with the intended emotion. Furthermore, I enjoy multiple narrators when the author writes their story with multiple points of view, though, good narrators can read more than one POV well, even when the POVs include both genders.
In this case, I am moved by the story to post this review, though not particularly moved by the narrators' performance to seek the next books in audio form. I recommend this book, but have caution to communicate about the audiobook form.
The book is told from one POV, Harley Jean, read by Karen Commins. When the story comes to male dialogue, Drew Commins, Karen's husband, speaks the dialogue rather than Karen. His narration seemed forced and stilted. I believe Karen should have been the sole narrator as the book is written in one POV -- the male voice for male dialogue was not seamless, but actually a bit of a distraction as it did not sound as natural as the lead narrator.
You MUST have a sense of humor if you plan to dive into a Memphis-based mystery in which the main character, Harley Jean Davidson, yes, she is named after a motorcycle, has an Elvis-impersonating father named Yogi, a mom, named Diva, who talks to spirit guides and the family dog, King (named after the King of Rock and Roll) is nabbed.
This is simply a fun, purely entertaining read - light, easy to put down and pick up again if you have small bits of time to read or are interrupted often.
I volunteered to listen to this book when the main narrator offered it on Goodreads with no review necessary. I was surprised that a review was not being asked, but I now understand. Getting the book "out there" is the hard part because once it is begun, you don't want to not finish the book(even if you find it a fairly predictable conclusion). There is plenty of entertainment to keep your interest to the end.
I have a great preference for audiobooks as I find narrators add so much more to a story than my internal reading voice. Not only do narrators read all of the words (you laugh, but I am sure I am not alone, when I am carried by a story, to find that I skim to get to the highlight of scenes), but experienced narrators capture the appropriate tone in their voice as well as the correct accent called for by the author. My inner reading voice doesn't do accents well, and tags for the verbal tone of a character often come after the dialogue. It is not overly helpful to read the dialogue, and then read that the words were spoken with laughter or with tears or in a whisper or with a shakey voice. Good narrators and good preparation, though, allow for the dialogue to be spoken with the intended emotion. Furthermore, I enjoy multiple narrators when the author writes their story with multiple points of view, though, good narrators can read more than one POV well, even when the POVs include both genders.
In this case, I am moved by the story to post this review, though not particularly moved by the narrators' performance to seek the next books in audio form. I recommend this book, but have caution to communicate about the audiobook form.
The book is told from one POV, Harley Jean, read by Karen Commins. When the story comes to male dialogue, Drew Commins, Karen's husband, speaks the dialogue rather than Karen. His narration seemed forced and stilted. I believe Karen should have been the sole narrator as the book is written in one POV -- the male voice for male dialogue was not seamless, but actually a bit of a distraction as it did not sound as natural as the lead narrator.
July 29, 2012
Harley Jean Davidson is a Memphis tour guide who spend most of her time driving conventioneers and tourists to Graceland and Beale Street. Her parents, Yogi and Diva, are old hippies who never quite gave up the flower child lifestyle. When their dog, King (named, of course, for Elvis) is dognapped, they call Harley for help. While searching for King, she finds their elderly neighbor murdered. When Yogi and Diva go missing, the police leap to the conclusion that Yogi must be guilty. Harley makes it her mission to find her parents before the police do.
Any novel that is set in Memphis, has a protagonist named after the iconic motorcycle, features the Peabody, Beale Street, and barbecue, has to be good. Add two characters named Yogi and Diva and you know it's going to be a fun read. Because I don't believe in "spoilers", I won't explain this next part, but by the time Harley started carrying a wooden phallus, I knew this was a series I would return to again and again. It has a good plot, entertaining dialogue, offbeat characters, and again, I have to say it, a wooden phallus.
If I could, I would give it more than 5 stars. Thank you, thank you very much....
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Any novel that is set in Memphis, has a protagonist named after the iconic motorcycle, features the Peabody, Beale Street, and barbecue, has to be good. Add two characters named Yogi and Diva and you know it's going to be a fun read. Because I don't believe in "spoilers", I won't explain this next part, but by the time Harley started carrying a wooden phallus, I knew this was a series I would return to again and again. It has a good plot, entertaining dialogue, offbeat characters, and again, I have to say it, a wooden phallus.
If I could, I would give it more than 5 stars. Thank you, thank you very much....
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 20, 2012
4 STARS
I laughed in Hound Dog Blues. In fact I was even thinking
reminds me of I love Lucy. "Then Harley rubbed her head and
envisioned them as Lucy and Ethel on speed."
This story is about a couple Diva & Yogi who are worried about thier dog
being kidnapped. A daughter Harley Jean Davidson worried that the police are going
to arrest her father for murder, So she wants to solve the crime
first. Police to solve a murder. Police to solve jewelry robbery
ring. Jewel thief to find the diamond necklace that Yogi had last
he saw of it.
Harley was named for a motorcycle. She gave up her stressful
job working for a bank and now is drives tourists around Memphis.
When her mom calls up about their dog King being kidnapped.
King has lots of enemys in their neighborhood. Harley is asking
her parents neighbors if they have seen him. When she see into
new good looking neighbor a bunch of jewels on his coffee table.
another neighbor house she goes into that hates King & Yogi.
she finds King their and the neighbor dead. Her father who not
supposed to be at that neighbors house was last seen their.
If you enjoy funny who dunnit stories this book is for you. I
would love to read more books by Virgina Brown.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
03/01/2012 PUB Bell Bridge Books
I laughed in Hound Dog Blues. In fact I was even thinking
reminds me of I love Lucy. "Then Harley rubbed her head and
envisioned them as Lucy and Ethel on speed."
This story is about a couple Diva & Yogi who are worried about thier dog
being kidnapped. A daughter Harley Jean Davidson worried that the police are going
to arrest her father for murder, So she wants to solve the crime
first. Police to solve a murder. Police to solve jewelry robbery
ring. Jewel thief to find the diamond necklace that Yogi had last
he saw of it.
Harley was named for a motorcycle. She gave up her stressful
job working for a bank and now is drives tourists around Memphis.
When her mom calls up about their dog King being kidnapped.
King has lots of enemys in their neighborhood. Harley is asking
her parents neighbors if they have seen him. When she see into
new good looking neighbor a bunch of jewels on his coffee table.
another neighbor house she goes into that hates King & Yogi.
she finds King their and the neighbor dead. Her father who not
supposed to be at that neighbors house was last seen their.
If you enjoy funny who dunnit stories this book is for you. I
would love to read more books by Virgina Brown.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley.
03/01/2012 PUB Bell Bridge Books
May 15, 2012
I think this was retitled from King's Ransom. They have the exact same description.
I could probably go 2.5 stars, but that would be pushing it. It was just "OK". I almost put the book down completely when she called Mike Morgan "Officer" in the bar. I mean, come on! Who would do that to someone if they suspect they are an undercover cop?! Did she want to get him killed? Maybe he was there to meet someone. I eventually finished the book, though it took me days, just because I was already half way through and wanted it to count towards my reading challenge numbers. I just think she did some really stupid stuff, and it really wasn't that funny.
I could probably go 2.5 stars, but that would be pushing it. It was just "OK". I almost put the book down completely when she called Mike Morgan "Officer" in the bar. I mean, come on! Who would do that to someone if they suspect they are an undercover cop?! Did she want to get him killed? Maybe he was there to meet someone. I eventually finished the book, though it took me days, just because I was already half way through and wanted it to count towards my reading challenge numbers. I just think she did some really stupid stuff, and it really wasn't that funny.
April 20, 2012
Cute story.
The cast of characters was entertaining and eccentric. The main female character (Harley) came across as a little on the ditzy side at times and that got annoying pretty quickly. As a result, she wasn't taken very seriously when she really needed to be.
This is not really a romance. It's more a suspense type (kind of) book though there is a slight love story thrown in. You know it's going to happen but it seems to take forever to get there. There are a few funny moments though nothing really laugh out loud (in my opinion). The suspense part was pretty good though pretty predictable.
Overall a decent book. I am sure I will read the rest in the series.
The cast of characters was entertaining and eccentric. The main female character (Harley) came across as a little on the ditzy side at times and that got annoying pretty quickly. As a result, she wasn't taken very seriously when she really needed to be.
This is not really a romance. It's more a suspense type (kind of) book though there is a slight love story thrown in. You know it's going to happen but it seems to take forever to get there. There are a few funny moments though nothing really laugh out loud (in my opinion). The suspense part was pretty good though pretty predictable.
Overall a decent book. I am sure I will read the rest in the series.
May 4, 2012
I picked up this free book because I am traveling through Memphis this summer, and thought it might inspire a spot or two to stop. It did not. This reminds me very much of a teenage detective novel, only instead of teenagers they are slightly perverse adults. But the astoundingly dumb interactions are the same idea of the adults don't respect the opinions of teenagers, so we'll have to explore all this stuff ourselves. Only there are no teenagers, just youngish adults doing unreasonable things.
February 7, 2017
This mystery did not meet my expectations and failed to keep my interest. I did not warm up to the characters, the setting, or the plot. There was way too much profanity, with a curse word practically every couple of paragraphs. The double narration was mediocre. The male narrator was better than the female narrator.
Won't be continuing with this series, I'm afraid.
Rated this barely 3 stars for both book and narration.
Won't be continuing with this series, I'm afraid.
Rated this barely 3 stars for both book and narration.
Want to read
April 18, 2012Free on Amazon 4/18/12
The description on Amazon reads like a murder mystery with possible romantic elements.
I've started trying some of these new authors, occationally you can find a gem...
The description on Amazon reads like a murder mystery with possible romantic elements.
I've started trying some of these new authors, occationally you can find a gem...
June 9, 2012
Great book! Held my interest all the way through!
July 12, 2012
Cute book the further I got the more I enjoyed. I would read another one in the series.
August 25, 2012
Really wish there was a 3.5 option. Great fun & entertaining read. Harley Davidson comes from a quirky family and it shows in the decisions she makes.
October 7, 2012
A really fun little story. Enjoyed it.
July 9, 2013
It took me month to finish this book. So basically that means " it sorta sucked!
February 23, 2014
Cute story. Enough entertainment to keep you reading.
March 5, 2015
Fun audio book with sometimes the voices being a bit over the top. 3.5 stars.
June 8, 2015
Love Harley
Liking this even better than the Divas. Yes, it is all light reading, but delightful light reading it is. And--I am loving these characters.
Liking this even better than the Divas. Yes, it is all light reading, but delightful light reading it is. And--I am loving these characters.
January 18, 2013
I lloved this! A fuller review will follow.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews