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A Dead Sister Talking Mystery #1
Heard it Through the Grapevine
A debut mystery chock-full of big Texas attitude
Savannah television personality Elaina Garcia has the opportunity of a lifetime as a news anchor in Florida, but her plans are disrupted when she learns about the death of her estranged sister, Tessa, who ran a Texas winery with her ex-husband.
Back in her hometown of Vineyard, Texas, Lainey comes face to face with her dead sister. The problem is that Tessa is not in the coffin. Dealing with the wisecracking ghost of her sibling, Lainey and her three surviving sisters set out to fulfill Tessa's wish from beyond the grave--to find out who killed her.
But hidden among the vines of the dead sister's multi-million dollar wine-making business lurks a killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Savannah television personality Elaina Garcia has the opportunity of a lifetime as a news anchor in Florida, but her plans are disrupted when she learns about the death of her estranged sister, Tessa, who ran a Texas winery with her ex-husband.
Back in her hometown of Vineyard, Texas, Lainey comes face to face with her dead sister. The problem is that Tessa is not in the coffin. Dealing with the wisecracking ghost of her sibling, Lainey and her three surviving sisters set out to fulfill Tessa's wish from beyond the grave--to find out who killed her.
But hidden among the vines of the dead sister's multi-million dollar wine-making business lurks a killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
189 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 4, 2022
Too much sexual jokes ruined the book for me. This book can actually be shorten by half if they remove all the unnecessary sexual stuff. It seems like every other page there’s something about breast, butt, legs of female characters. Ugh! It’s also hard to like “good characters” making fun of the small penis of somebody.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2013
I've read this author's Clueless Cook series, and have found it to be terribly up and down, mostly down, with only the middle one in the trilogy being a good read. This one is kind of along the lines of books 1 & 3 in that series. There were a few likeable characters in this one, Colt being one of them, but the thing with his nearly, "OMG! How did I miss you the first time...now I want to be with you every waking moment", reaction to Lainey was SO not believable! Lots of "language" in here, too, which absolutely doesn't bother me, but it seemed that some of it was just there to make sure you were paying attention (Look at me! Look at me!! I dropped an F-bomb!). I understood that this wasn't a cozy going in, but if someone picks this up unwittingly expecting a cozy they're going to REALLY be surprised by the very descriptive, in most cases, sex talk! Again, that is something that usually doesn't bother me, but in several places it really detracted from the story with this one. Tessa, the victim and ghost here, was really not a nice person, and I found myself thinking more than once that she probably got what she deserved. I didn't guess the killer until almost the big reveal, but that and a couple of likeable characters wasn't nearly enough to save this one, or make me want to consider another in this series...if there is one!
May 22, 2022
Wow what a really delightful cozy mystery!!!
June 2, 2015
This is really, 1.5 stars. This book did have a story and could have been humorous with the dead sister talking to her, BUT with every other paragraph commenting on every characters : hard dick, big boobs, limp dick, hard nipples, pencil dick, hot ass, etc. etc. etc. JHC - Lipperman is one horney Texas biach!! Is this what romance novels are like??? 50 Shades???
So very unnecessary and pathetic!! Made it difficult to follow or get engaged in the story when you were constantly trying to determine how many paragraphs/pages to skip.
Would not recommend to anyone! And would you believe she has written 2 more of these dead sister books... Let's hope some of the other sisters get offed, she's got way to many to keep track of! And she refers to this genre as "soft-boiled mysteries" - PLEASE!!!
So very unnecessary and pathetic!! Made it difficult to follow or get engaged in the story when you were constantly trying to determine how many paragraphs/pages to skip.
Would not recommend to anyone! And would you believe she has written 2 more of these dead sister books... Let's hope some of the other sisters get offed, she's got way to many to keep track of! And she refers to this genre as "soft-boiled mysteries" - PLEASE!!!
June 20, 2019
The main characters are Lainey Garcia and the ghost of Tessa Garcia. Lainey returns to her hometown in Texas after the death of Tessa, her sister who she had not seen or spoken to in years. It turns out Tessa's death is murder so Lainey with her sisters and the ghost decided to figure out who the killer was. The book was a quick easy read.
September 14, 2025
Lots of twists
This book is listed as a mystery and it is, but not sure I'd call it a cozy. Loved the main characters, the sisters, and the love interest. The plot moved at a good pace and the writing is terrific.
This book is listed as a mystery and it is, but not sure I'd call it a cozy. Loved the main characters, the sisters, and the love interest. The plot moved at a good pace and the writing is terrific.
June 29, 2023
The death of her least-liked sister has Elaina "Lainey" Garcia scrambling to put her career as a TV host on hold to facilitate a return to Texas for the funeral. Her sister, who isn't ready to leave the world, comes back as a ghost to help her family right the wrong and capture the person who murdered her.
While the plot was entertaining, the details left me cold. Much raunchiness abounds in the writing. It felt unnecessary and distracting. At the end of the story, an over-the-top scene left me feeling somewhat queasy. I could have enjoyed this series without the gratuitous lewdness.
This is not a book I'd recommend for a younger audience.
While the plot was entertaining, the details left me cold. Much raunchiness abounds in the writing. It felt unnecessary and distracting. At the end of the story, an over-the-top scene left me feeling somewhat queasy. I could have enjoyed this series without the gratuitous lewdness.
This is not a book I'd recommend for a younger audience.
February 4, 2024
Fantastic Story
Wow, I had no idea how much this book would grab my attention and not let go.
The Garcia girls are a force to be reckoned with and I loved this book.
Wow, I had no idea how much this book would grab my attention and not let go.
The Garcia girls are a force to be reckoned with and I loved this book.
April 17, 2016
For someone who claims to not read about paranormal I find myself doing just that lately. The major problem I had with this book was the graphic sex. It was so not necessary. I bower end this book from the library. It should come with an "XXX" warning. I would not want my teen reading this.
Okay off my soap box. I did think the story was great. I would have rated it 4 stars. Will not be reading more in this series.
Okay off my soap box. I did think the story was great. I would have rated it 4 stars. Will not be reading more in this series.
November 11, 2014
Not a fan of the intimate parts of this book. They didn't really fit in. Otherwise I liked it, but the sex scenes were just too much and weird.
June 5, 2018
This was an interesting premise, but there was a lot of what felt like unnecessary cursing to "make a point" and then a lot of misogyny in the ending and I just wasn't all that excited about it.
January 31, 2024
Surprisingly good read
If this author keeps turning out books like this, then I will be a fan for life. The beginning seemed slow and I wasn't sure if I was going to finish it. But it does pick up and becomes a delightful adventure with a supernatural involvement to the mystery.
The relationship between all of the sisters brings to mind my five sisters. Sometimes it can be maddening and sometimes sweet.
This is not a deep mystery read, but it is still an enjoyable one. My advice...worth the money.
If this author keeps turning out books like this, then I will be a fan for life. The beginning seemed slow and I wasn't sure if I was going to finish it. But it does pick up and becomes a delightful adventure with a supernatural involvement to the mystery.
The relationship between all of the sisters brings to mind my five sisters. Sometimes it can be maddening and sometimes sweet.
This is not a deep mystery read, but it is still an enjoyable one. My advice...worth the money.
July 26, 2021
i loved this book! Lainey, a talk so host in Savannah, returns home to Vineyard Texas after learning her sister Tessa died mysteriously. At the funeral, Tessa's ghost comes to Lainey. Tessa wants her sisters to find out who murdered her. Lainey and Tessa were estranged for many years. Lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem, interesting complex and quirky characters make this a page turner and a must read. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
April 5, 2023
It takes a Town
It was hard to put down this story...I kept changing my mind about the identity of the killer or killlers.
There were a lot of murders and perps and shady characters, and I do not think all the stories were wrapped up in a bow. But it was a fun rollercoaster read.
s and I am not sure that
It was hard to put down this story...I kept changing my mind about the identity of the killer or killlers.
There were a lot of murders and perps and shady characters, and I do not think all the stories were wrapped up in a bow. But it was a fun rollercoaster read.
s and I am not sure that
July 21, 2023
One of the Garcia sisters is killed in a gas explosion at her home, but it turns out that she was actually poisoned before hand. Whilst the sisters are at the funeral the dead sister appears to one of the sisters and tells her that she was murdered and begs her sisters to find out who did it. So they do. A good mystery and interesting characters.
September 18, 2024
Too Many Sexual Scenes
If you’re looking for a mystery mostly coated with sexual jokes, flirting, a few sex scenes, and a whole lot of mentions of people sleeping with each other, this might be the book for you. It didn’t really sit well with me. All the sexual mentions in the book really took away from the mystery aspect.
If you’re looking for a mystery mostly coated with sexual jokes, flirting, a few sex scenes, and a whole lot of mentions of people sleeping with each other, this might be the book for you. It didn’t really sit well with me. All the sexual mentions in the book really took away from the mystery aspect.
October 26, 2021
Murder by the half dozen
An intense murder mystery that took too long to solve resulting in several deaths. This story also focuses on the strength that comes from familial connection. I was disappointed that the police could not connect the dots
An intense murder mystery that took too long to solve resulting in several deaths. This story also focuses on the strength that comes from familial connection. I was disappointed that the police could not connect the dots
November 12, 2021
A Terrific Read
If you want an intriguing book with mystery, suspense, murders, a witty ghost and romance, this one is one is for you. Be prepared to even laugh-out-loud while reading.
If you want an intriguing book with mystery, suspense, murders, a witty ghost and romance, this one is one is for you. Be prepared to even laugh-out-loud while reading.
December 2, 2022
interesting premise
Too bad the book wasn’t properly formatted. It’s a big mess. Could have used a proofreader as well. I figured out several things chapters before they were revealed. Not a good sign.
Too bad the book wasn’t properly formatted. It’s a big mess. Could have used a proofreader as well. I figured out several things chapters before they were revealed. Not a good sign.
March 13, 2023
Having a ghost sister
This wa a very good story. The sisters were close. Lainey discovered that Tessa came to her after her death so Lainey could find her killer. The events that unfolded were exciting & fast paced. Great read!
This wa a very good story. The sisters were close. Lainey discovered that Tessa came to her after her death so Lainey could find her killer. The events that unfolded were exciting & fast paced. Great read!
June 5, 2023
Just What I Was Looking For.
I was ready for some laughs with some romance thrown in. Luckily, I got this book and it was perfect. The best part, it had a good mystery. A. Enjoyable book.
I was ready for some laughs with some romance thrown in. Luckily, I got this book and it was perfect. The best part, it had a good mystery. A. Enjoyable book.
December 7, 2023
Finally !!!
This is one I can finish and keep looking forward to the next one ! Haven't read a good murder mystery like this one in a long time and can honestly say it wasn't even that schmaltzy so there's that.
This is one I can finish and keep looking forward to the next one ! Haven't read a good murder mystery like this one in a long time and can honestly say it wasn't even that schmaltzy so there's that.
June 22, 2019
Enjoyed this book. Not a masterpiece, but great writing, great twists and turns. Four stars due to enjoyment factor.
Read
June 27, 2019I've got mixed feeling on this. I enjoyed the writing and the characters, but it was too heavy on language/sex for my taste.
September 20, 2021
The Garcia girls win the battle
It is amazing that the ghost was justified and saved the vineyard. And laundry and Dallas figure out how to admit that they love each other
It is amazing that the ghost was justified and saved the vineyard. And laundry and Dallas figure out how to admit that they love each other
October 2, 2021
Loved this book!!
Different!! Unique!! Great plot!!! Kept one guessing right up into the end!!A murder puzzle, indeed!!!A touch of the paranormal & you've got a great story!!!
Different!! Unique!! Great plot!!! Kept one guessing right up into the end!!A murder puzzle, indeed!!!A touch of the paranormal & you've got a great story!!!
November 6, 2021
Grapevine
Even though I usually don't like murder type mystery, it held my attention throughout the whole book. Kept my attention.
Even though I usually don't like murder type mystery, it held my attention throughout the whole book. Kept my attention.
January 24, 2022
Lainey comes home for her sisters funeral. Ghosts appear and hunky Colt is there to help things along.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2022
I enjoyed the story. There were omens that could have been improved, as stated in a few of the reviews here, but they did not overly spoil the story for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews