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Dixie Divas #4
Divas and Dead Rebels
The bestselling DIXIE DIVAS mystery series continues!Trinket and her pals are, once again, caught in the middle of a murder scene… “Professor Sturgis is dead.” “Hah!” replied my cousin/best friend/partner in mayhem. “I’m not that lucky.” “It’s true,” I said as I pointed to her son’s dorm room closet. “Look for yourself. But I warn you—it’s not a pretty sight.” My warning did not deter Bitty Hollandale from peering into the closet where the dead professor was propped against a shoe rack. She immediately recoiled. “Good lord! I thought you were joking . . . it . . . how horrible!” I didn’t say “I told you so” although I could have. I was still too rattled myself to take a verbal swing at Bitty. What I’d thought was an untidy pile of clothing tumbling out of the closet turned out to be a professor with whom Bitty had just quarreled that very morning. This was not a good thing.Virginia Brown is the author of The Dixie Divas Mysteries, The Blue Suede Memphis Mysteries, and a mystery/drama, Dark River Road. As a long-time resident of Mississippi, award-winning author Virginia Brown has lived in several different areas of the state, and finds the history, romance, and intrigue of the Deep South irresistible. Although having spent her childhood as a “military brat” living all over the US, and overseas, this author of nearly fifty novels is now happily settled in and drawing her favorite fictional characters from the wonderful, whimsical Southerners she has known and loved.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2012
55 people are currently reading
156 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 28, 2013
After Trinket discovers a body in Bitty's sons' dorm room, Bitty decides it would be better if the body was found somewhere else. In true Weekend at Bernie's fashion they load the body into a laundry cart and wheel it across the Ole Miss campus, finally unloading it into a moving truck.
Problem solved? Not really. A murderer is on the loose and Trinket and Bitty have now become a target. With a little help from the other Dixie Divas, they set about solving the mystery and catching the murderer.
Divas and Dead Rebels is great fun. The snarky banter and snappy retorts of Trinket and Bitty is the main event in this book. Everything else is just a bonus.
Problem solved? Not really. A murderer is on the loose and Trinket and Bitty have now become a target. With a little help from the other Dixie Divas, they set about solving the mystery and catching the murderer.
Divas and Dead Rebels is great fun. The snarky banter and snappy retorts of Trinket and Bitty is the main event in this book. Everything else is just a bonus.
January 13, 2019
Fabulous story. I love all of these books but I was laughing out loud several times reading this one, it's a good thing no one else was around to see it hear. I promise you'll love these stories.
March 9, 2019
Love her Diva books!!!!!!!
January 9, 2021
great series even if you aren't from the South!
March 9, 2016
AUDIOBOOK EDITION
http://audiothing.blogspot.com.au
My Review
It's been my absolute pleasure to listen to the first three books of this series, I awarded them all five stars, both for story and narrator. I didn't think they could get any funnier but this one did, it's hilarious.
You really need to be alone to listen because before you know it, you'll be laughing aloud.
Bitty is a real star, she is the queen of the outrageous statement and her convoluted and unusual solutions to problems (like finding a body in a closet) leave Trinket almost gasping in disbelief! Bitty doesn't let this deter her though, she believes she makes perfect sense and usually persuades (bulldozes) Trinket in to submitting to her awesome will!
This time Bitty thinks her son is under threat of being accused of murder, she immediately goes in to full Southern Mama Mode, look out everyone.
When her first plan goes awry a meeting of the Divas is called and a new plan of action is implemented. Oh look out for these ladies, they sure mean business!
I honestly don't know how Virginia Brown thinks up these situations in which the Divas find themselves, they are of course, highly unlikely, but it's a comedy, it's fiction and it makes me laugh and feel happy.
I would recommend that anyone interested in the Diva series start from book one, the author develops each character with every book, to miss one would be missing out on learning some interesting and very entertaining details.
Narrator
I've reviewed a few of Karen's books now and have always given her 5 stars for her narration. She is just the perfect choice here, apart from her awesome narrating skills, you know, the accents, pace, rhythm and gender changes, she does comedy so darned well.
Unlike traditional books, the success of audiobooks depend on the talents of both author and narrator, in finding Karen, the author struck pure gold.
This audiobook provided for review via Audioblast dot com
http://audiothing.blogspot.com.au
My Review
It's been my absolute pleasure to listen to the first three books of this series, I awarded them all five stars, both for story and narrator. I didn't think they could get any funnier but this one did, it's hilarious.
You really need to be alone to listen because before you know it, you'll be laughing aloud.
Bitty is a real star, she is the queen of the outrageous statement and her convoluted and unusual solutions to problems (like finding a body in a closet) leave Trinket almost gasping in disbelief! Bitty doesn't let this deter her though, she believes she makes perfect sense and usually persuades (bulldozes) Trinket in to submitting to her awesome will!
This time Bitty thinks her son is under threat of being accused of murder, she immediately goes in to full Southern Mama Mode, look out everyone.
When her first plan goes awry a meeting of the Divas is called and a new plan of action is implemented. Oh look out for these ladies, they sure mean business!
I honestly don't know how Virginia Brown thinks up these situations in which the Divas find themselves, they are of course, highly unlikely, but it's a comedy, it's fiction and it makes me laugh and feel happy.
I would recommend that anyone interested in the Diva series start from book one, the author develops each character with every book, to miss one would be missing out on learning some interesting and very entertaining details.
Narrator
I've reviewed a few of Karen's books now and have always given her 5 stars for her narration. She is just the perfect choice here, apart from her awesome narrating skills, you know, the accents, pace, rhythm and gender changes, she does comedy so darned well.
Unlike traditional books, the success of audiobooks depend on the talents of both author and narrator, in finding Karen, the author struck pure gold.
This audiobook provided for review via Audioblast dot com
November 8, 2015
This is a charming, sometimes hilarious cozy mystery that combines good mystery making, plotting, scene setting and character development.
What happens when you put a dozen steel magnolias in the same place, at the same time, with the same goal? Well, it all begins with fireworks. As any reader of Southern literature knows, you do not mess with the only son (even if he’s an identical twin) of a Southern mother. That’s exactly what someone did, by hiding a body in the closet of Bitty’s son. From there, we get to experience Ol’ Miss during a home game weekend, murder, mayhem, and the Divas. The author has a wonderful sense of place, and presents her environment with love, care, and gentle objectivity. Mississippi has a complex and tumultuous history. Without going into detail, the author gives us a sense of that history, like the scent of flowers drifting on a breeze.
The characters are absolutely wonderful While not all are quite the Belles that Bitty is, all of them can transform from sweet and charming into lethally efficient in about a breath.
Yes, very occasionally, some of the antics of the Divas dragged, just a little, but then the story would change gears, and I’d once again be holding my seat, with excitement or laughter, or both.
The narrator was perfect for this book! If she isn’t a Southern girl, she should be adopted as one, she gets the accent and expression *so* right!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone who likes cozy mysteries, the deep South, or just needs to brighten a dreary day with a hearty laugh (or a dozen).
I received a copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review from audioBookBlast dot com.
What happens when you put a dozen steel magnolias in the same place, at the same time, with the same goal? Well, it all begins with fireworks. As any reader of Southern literature knows, you do not mess with the only son (even if he’s an identical twin) of a Southern mother. That’s exactly what someone did, by hiding a body in the closet of Bitty’s son. From there, we get to experience Ol’ Miss during a home game weekend, murder, mayhem, and the Divas. The author has a wonderful sense of place, and presents her environment with love, care, and gentle objectivity. Mississippi has a complex and tumultuous history. Without going into detail, the author gives us a sense of that history, like the scent of flowers drifting on a breeze.
The characters are absolutely wonderful While not all are quite the Belles that Bitty is, all of them can transform from sweet and charming into lethally efficient in about a breath.
Yes, very occasionally, some of the antics of the Divas dragged, just a little, but then the story would change gears, and I’d once again be holding my seat, with excitement or laughter, or both.
The narrator was perfect for this book! If she isn’t a Southern girl, she should be adopted as one, she gets the accent and expression *so* right!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone who likes cozy mysteries, the deep South, or just needs to brighten a dreary day with a hearty laugh (or a dozen).
I received a copy of this book in exchange for this unbiased review from audioBookBlast dot com.
November 1, 2015
This was my first "Diva" story and it was pretty good. Virginia Brown does well to create a in- depth mystery that takes you on a whirlwind ride where several middle-aged women get themselves involved in, and then attempt to solve, the local murders. Even though this was not the first book in the series, I didn't feel like I was left with missing information as every character and previous backstory was written well into this story. However, I did feel the story tended to drag with too much, of what I'm going to call "filler" conversation. It was funny, witty, and I can see how it worked within the lives of the characters, but it made me restless, wanting to know the truth behind the mystery.
Karen Commins did a fine job with the narration of this story. With the multitude of characters in this narrative, she delivered a smooth and enjoyable read. Her pacing and character nuances were superb. I will definitely be looking for more of her works.
Overall a good listen, just a little too long for me.
This audiobook was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Karen Commins did a fine job with the narration of this story. With the multitude of characters in this narrative, she delivered a smooth and enjoyable read. Her pacing and character nuances were superb. I will definitely be looking for more of her works.
Overall a good listen, just a little too long for me.
This audiobook was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2015
Very fun book with lots of humor and antics. The mystery is a bit more complex than I tend to like my cozy mysteries, but it was lots of fun. I did start with this book instead of the first in the series, so the beginning was a bit odd and confusing at first. I'm looking forward to reading the first three books in the series.
I listened to the audio version and I thought Karen Commins did a pretty good job at narrating. Her southern accent wasn't too distracting and her characters were fun. The male voices could use a bit of work, but overall a good listen.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I listened to the audio version and I thought Karen Commins did a pretty good job at narrating. Her southern accent wasn't too distracting and her characters were fun. The male voices could use a bit of work, but overall a good listen.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
March 15, 2016
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
I have had this series on my wishlist for a bit now, and when offered this for free, I was super excited!! I love a good cozy mystery, and this fits the bill,,,The Divas have a little ladies group who stumbled onto solving mysteries, and have ran into several dead bodies...this one put them in some danger...and if it wasn't for Bitty and her purse gun, they may have been goners!!!
Funny, and narrated nicely....I recommend, and will explore more of this series!!!
I have had this series on my wishlist for a bit now, and when offered this for free, I was super excited!! I love a good cozy mystery, and this fits the bill,,,The Divas have a little ladies group who stumbled onto solving mysteries, and have ran into several dead bodies...this one put them in some danger...and if it wasn't for Bitty and her purse gun, they may have been goners!!!
Funny, and narrated nicely....I recommend, and will explore more of this series!!!
January 19, 2015
This series just continues to be great!
I listened to this as an audiobook. As with the other Dixie Divas books I've read so far, this had a true feel of the South.
I enjoy the development of the characters over the course of the series.
If you'd like a light-hearted mystery featuring authentic Southern heroines, this series is for you.
I listened to this as an audiobook. As with the other Dixie Divas books I've read so far, this had a true feel of the South.
I enjoy the development of the characters over the course of the series.
If you'd like a light-hearted mystery featuring authentic Southern heroines, this series is for you.
January 11, 2016
I enjoy the characters in this series a lot. This was another fun installment and took the cousins out of the confines of Holly Springs. The mystery was good and I took a bit longer to figure out the killer so I enjoyed that aspect as well. The audible narrator is very good making the story much easier to listen to
January 18, 2013
Easy fun read!!! Love these books!!
February 10, 2013
another hit!!! I'm only sorry when the story ends. these Diva stories have impacted my Red Hat group, God Bless their little Souls!
April 1, 2014
Number Four in the Dixie Divas series. Pleasant fluff.
April 8, 2013
This was a very cute and entertaining series. I will definitely be reading the rest.
May 31, 2016
Trinket, Bitty and the Diva's are like returning home to see your old friends. Always entertaining, and humorous and finding trouble.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews