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A Yellow Rose Mystery #4
Shoot from the Lip
The thought of working with a hot-shot producer and her TV crew is about as appealing to Abby as sticking her hand in a bucket of leeches. But "Reality Check" is a program that claims to turn American dreams into the real thing, and Abby figures that if anyone deserves that kind of bonanza, it's Emma Lopez, who has been raising her three younger siblings since her mother disappeared. Abby is determined to help Emma realize her dream of a reunion-even when it becomes clear that someone out there doesn't believe in happy endings.
Audiobook
First published January 2, 2007
23 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Leann Sweeney
27 books524 followersLeann Sweeney was born and raised in Niagara Falls and educated at St. Joseph's Hospital and Lemoyne College in Syracuse, NY. She also has a degree from the University of Houston in behavioral science and worked for many years in psychiatry. Her short fiction won many awards and several mysteries were published in small market mystery magazines. Leann has written 13 cozy mysteries: 5 in The Yellow Rose Mystery Series and 8 in the Cats in Trouble Mysteries. #9 is being written now that Leann is recovering from a three year illness after a fall. Both series are published by Berkley and several titles made the NY Times bestseller list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 9, 2020
I really like the way Leann Sweeney writes. I was barreling through this book even faster than I normally do. There were a few surprising editing faux pas, which is pretty much why I knocked off half a star; otherwise, loved it. Happy to say that I have the whole series on the tbr. 4.5*
April 24, 2018
In Shoot from the Lip, Abby Rose of the Yellow Rose Detective Agency gets visited by the host of the Reality Check television show, which intends to build a new home for 23-year-old Emma Lopez. Emma has been guardian of her two younger brothers and sister since she was 16, putting herself through college and now putting the older of her brothers through college. Venture, the parent company of the television show, received an anonymous letter nominating Emma for Reality Check and stating that Emma had a baby sister who disappeared years earlier. Venture wants to hire Abby to look into the case, but Abby refuses to help the TV show. However, she goes to see Emma to see if she can be of service to the young woman, taking along her psychologist sister, Kate. Abby’s lawyer can’t get Emma out of her contract, so they witness the demolition of Emma’s derelict old house left to her by her soldier father, who died in the bombing of the military base in Beirut before Emma was born. Under the house the demolition experts discover the remains of a baby. Could they have just found Emma’s missing baby sister?
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
June 21, 2009
I found this to be one of the best books of a good series.
I like Abby, her boyfriend Jeff, and her sister Kate. I "know" them from previous books, and the fact Kate and Jeff were both acting out of character was part of what made this book interesting.
In this book, we were introduced to Emma, a strong young woman raising her younger siblings. She was a good, solid character that I enjoyed getting to know. We also had a variety of entertaining secondary characters that made me laugh (or wince) while moving the plot along.
I cared about the mystery in this book, and about the process of finding the answers. Strangely, the details of who-dun-it didn't really worry me that much.
I did have some quibbles with the book-- although I enjoyed seeing Kate and Jeff outside their usual selves, I think Kate was a little too far out of character. I found some of the plot developments predictable. But overall, I enjoyed the book.
The big question for me with book 4 of any series is whether it makes sense to start here, or should a new reader start at the beginning.
This book stands on its own plot-wise, but you'll miss out on some interesting character development. If you think there is a chance you'll want to read all of the books, I'd suggest starting at book 1. 2 is the weakest of the series, followed by 3. I still enjoyed both. Read them for the character development if they sound interesting, skip them if they don't.
I like Abby, her boyfriend Jeff, and her sister Kate. I "know" them from previous books, and the fact Kate and Jeff were both acting out of character was part of what made this book interesting.
In this book, we were introduced to Emma, a strong young woman raising her younger siblings. She was a good, solid character that I enjoyed getting to know. We also had a variety of entertaining secondary characters that made me laugh (or wince) while moving the plot along.
I cared about the mystery in this book, and about the process of finding the answers. Strangely, the details of who-dun-it didn't really worry me that much.
I did have some quibbles with the book-- although I enjoyed seeing Kate and Jeff outside their usual selves, I think Kate was a little too far out of character. I found some of the plot developments predictable. But overall, I enjoyed the book.
The big question for me with book 4 of any series is whether it makes sense to start here, or should a new reader start at the beginning.
This book stands on its own plot-wise, but you'll miss out on some interesting character development. If you think there is a chance you'll want to read all of the books, I'd suggest starting at book 1. 2 is the weakest of the series, followed by 3. I still enjoyed both. Read them for the character development if they sound interesting, skip them if they don't.
October 1, 2010
This is the 4th book in the Abby Rose series. In this one, Abby deals with a reality show that wants to reunite a family together. For Emma Lopez, she wants to be reunited with her long-lost sister and find out the truth on her mom's disappearance. While dodging the press, they unearth skeletons in the closet, when a dead baby in found, and questions are asked. Abby decides to investigate this matter further, when the killer's on her tail, and killed her source. As Abby gets close to the truth, a killer gets close to her family and makes her a target, while Jeff deals with a family crisis of his own. This is a jam-packed good read for a cozy.
May 17, 2010
Abby Rose loves what she does....helping adoptees find their birth parents...but working with a TV crew isn't quite her cup of tea. As if the task isn't already difficult, now Abby has to deal with the tv people getting in her way...and of course there's always Aunt Caroline who's continually horrified at Abby's choice of career. Another wild ride!
March 31, 2010
This was a strongly written mystery that makes me wait for the next one eagerly. The mystery was compelling and made the book a page-turner.
Excellent read.
Excellent read.
May 28, 2011
I think this series gets better and better. I don't know how Leann does it. I love these characters.
I have the next in the series to read. Keep them coming Leann.
I have the next in the series to read. Keep them coming Leann.
March 13, 2012
I love when a mystery book is challenging but not impossible to solve. My favorite of the Yellow Rose Mysteries thus far.
November 19, 2018
Hilarious. On par with the Shopaholic series. series.
February 10, 2023
"Shoot From the Lip", fourth in the 'Yellow Rose Mystery' series, is a slow-burner until a dramatic finish.
Emma Lopez has been raising her three siblings since their alcoholic mother dropped off the radar ten years ago (1997).
Now a TV reality show is going to demolish and rebuild their home and provide the family with all kind of goodies to boot.
To add a fillip of mystery to the story the producers have decided to investigate their missing sibling, a new-born baby girl, who disappeared from the home shortly after being born in 1992. The book is set in 2007.
Abby has no interest in appearing on TV but does agree to help Emma.
It soon becomes very clear that someone doesn't want the story of the missing child to be solved and is prepared to commit murder to prevent anyone coming up with answers.
In the meantime Abby's twin sister, Kate, has broken up with her long time boyfriend, Terry, and thrown herself into a whirlwind romance with a new beau.
And Jeff, Abby's lover and partner, is being very mysterious indeed - he's up to something.
As always the procedural element of the book is well thought through and even the avaricious Aunt Caroline gets to play a vital, though completely fortuitous, role.
The best part of "Shoot From The Lip" is the final quarter when dramatic events culminate in an explosive climax.
4 Stars.
Emma Lopez has been raising her three siblings since their alcoholic mother dropped off the radar ten years ago (1997).
Now a TV reality show is going to demolish and rebuild their home and provide the family with all kind of goodies to boot.
To add a fillip of mystery to the story the producers have decided to investigate their missing sibling, a new-born baby girl, who disappeared from the home shortly after being born in 1992. The book is set in 2007.
Abby has no interest in appearing on TV but does agree to help Emma.
It soon becomes very clear that someone doesn't want the story of the missing child to be solved and is prepared to commit murder to prevent anyone coming up with answers.
In the meantime Abby's twin sister, Kate, has broken up with her long time boyfriend, Terry, and thrown herself into a whirlwind romance with a new beau.
And Jeff, Abby's lover and partner, is being very mysterious indeed - he's up to something.
As always the procedural element of the book is well thought through and even the avaricious Aunt Caroline gets to play a vital, though completely fortuitous, role.
The best part of "Shoot From The Lip" is the final quarter when dramatic events culminate in an explosive climax.
4 Stars.
June 7, 2018
I initially thought this book in the series would be just so-so, what with the reality show aspect. Boy, was I wrong. This is a story full of strong characters, emotional circumstances, and great action. Ms. Sweeney does her homework and writes in a clear, clean way. There are no problems with grammar, spelling, consistency, etc. to jar you out of the story, and it is easy to become so involved you forget what time it is.
February 6, 2019
My favorite of the series so far. Abby's client, Emma, is a brave young woman with a touching story. She becomes embroiled in high stakes TV shows with people whose efforts to earn ratings can be ruthless. Kate has come to a turning point in her life and needs to make serious decisions. Jeff has complications in his personal life that force changes on him. Interesting characters. Even annoying Aunt Caroline has her day. Good read.
October 20, 2017
Great characters, tight plot, not a misstep anywhere! I tend to be rather citical, so my praise is hard - earned. This is the best of the series, so far
Well - written characters, tight plot, a real page- Turner! I can be a tough critic, but this series deserves praise. This is the best of the series, so far. I look forward to more.
Well - written characters, tight plot, a real page- Turner! I can be a tough critic, but this series deserves praise. This is the best of the series, so far. I look forward to more.
February 26, 2018
I loved It! The main character is a PI who specializes in adoptions, so there are lots of twists and turns.
May 26, 2018
Really enjoyed this one. Abby takes on Emma’s case to find her missing sister, but her and Kate get embroiled with TV a cold case, murder and a very real murderer.
September 19, 2018
I'm really enjoying this author. The plots and characters are ask investing and intriguing. The secondary characters in this one are particularly great.
February 22, 2021
I really like these.
library
July 30, 20210
November 4, 2024
I listened to this via Libby with Danielle Ferland narrating. She really added to the story!
August 10, 2013
My first Yellow Rose mystery and it won't be my last. I love that the main character, Abby Rose, and her sister, Kate, are from a wealthy family, but choose do something useful with their lives. Kate is a psychologist and Abby is a private detective specializing in adoption cases. Her current case is trying to help a young woman, Emma, find out what happened to her mother and find out what happened to her baby sister both who went missing many years ago.
Then bones of an infant are found under the house where Emma and her siblings have been living.
There are quite a few twists and turns in this mystery. It has the look of a cozy on the cover, but it's not cozy nor an amateur sleuth since Abby is a licensed private investigator. It's grim, but has its sassy moments since Abby doesn't take any guff from anyone.
I liked this quite a bit and look forward to listening to more of this series.
Then bones of an infant are found under the house where Emma and her siblings have been living.
There are quite a few twists and turns in this mystery. It has the look of a cozy on the cover, but it's not cozy nor an amateur sleuth since Abby is a licensed private investigator. It's grim, but has its sassy moments since Abby doesn't take any guff from anyone.
I liked this quite a bit and look forward to listening to more of this series.
January 20, 2008
I am currently reading Shoot From The Lip by Leeann
Sweeeney.
Shoot From The Lip
Leann Sweeney
Mystery
276 pages
The thought of working with a hot-shot producer and
her TV crew is about as appealing to Abby as sticking
her hand in a bucket of leeches. But "Reality Check"
is a program that claims to turn American dreams into
the real thing, and Abby figures that if anyone
deserves that kind of bonanza, it's Emma Lopez, who
has been raising her three younger siblings since her
mother disappeared. Abby is determined to help Emma
realize her dream of a reunion-even when it becomes
clear that someone out there doesn't believe in happy
endings.
Sweeeney.
Shoot From The Lip
Leann Sweeney
Mystery
276 pages
The thought of working with a hot-shot producer and
her TV crew is about as appealing to Abby as sticking
her hand in a bucket of leeches. But "Reality Check"
is a program that claims to turn American dreams into
the real thing, and Abby figures that if anyone
deserves that kind of bonanza, it's Emma Lopez, who
has been raising her three younger siblings since her
mother disappeared. Abby is determined to help Emma
realize her dream of a reunion-even when it becomes
clear that someone out there doesn't believe in happy
endings.
September 20, 2014
Abby gets called when a new client enlists her help in finding her long lost younger sister. It seems that Emma's won a sort of home makeover from a network, but they have a little catch - they want to dig into the family's past and exploit the story of the long lost sister. But when the demolition crew shows up, the producers get more drama than they expected when the skeleton of a baby is discovered.
I liked this one, but I really felt like everyone was blind. The identity of the bad guy and his motives were so completely obvious that I couldn't believe that Abby hadn't figured it out. This is a fun series, but I hope the next one I read is a little harder to figure out.
I liked this one, but I really felt like everyone was blind. The identity of the bad guy and his motives were so completely obvious that I couldn't believe that Abby hadn't figured it out. This is a fun series, but I hope the next one I read is a little harder to figure out.
January 14, 2015
This is a rather enjoyable cozy. I truly enjoy the protagonist who is not trying to "one-up" the cop, but is simply trying to help. In that sense, I really enjoyed this story.
I truly like the protagonist and her mission: a woman who is interested in helping those who are missing, especially with regard to adoption. This is a strong stance and I find the character here (Abby) to be most endearing and appealing! She does not seek to diminish the police or try to make any preemptive plays -- rather she is a most cooperative character. I really, really like that.
Here we have the new, modern cozy character who is truly in the model of Ms. Marple! Yeah!
I truly like the protagonist and her mission: a woman who is interested in helping those who are missing, especially with regard to adoption. This is a strong stance and I find the character here (Abby) to be most endearing and appealing! She does not seek to diminish the police or try to make any preemptive plays -- rather she is a most cooperative character. I really, really like that.
Here we have the new, modern cozy character who is truly in the model of Ms. Marple! Yeah!
July 24, 2012
This book made my day! Abby has her sister back with her and Aunt Carolyn was just a hoot! The characters in the story were all a bit different and sort of all had things to hide and even though Abby is an Adoption Detective she managed to get herself, Kate and Auntie in double trouble -- along with almost everyone she got in contact with! Ending was so good, I even found myself crying! GREAT SERIES!!!
July 31, 2015
My favorite of the five book series. I was enthralled from start to finish. I held off reading this book because I knew it was my last one and I never like to say goodbye to my favorite characters. I loved the introduction of Jeff's sister, Doris (I can't say much or I'll give the element of surprise away). Let's say it made me want to read more by Leann Sweeney.
Fans of cozy mysteries, if you haven't read The Yellow Rose Mystery series do not delay. You don't know what you are missing!
Fans of cozy mysteries, if you haven't read The Yellow Rose Mystery series do not delay. You don't know what you are missing!
July 21, 2014
I liked this book more then the others. I did not see the bad guy until the end so kudos to the writer. I love how she does not repeat the past just to waste pages but uses it only when needed. I hate that it appears that the next book is the last because I love this series. Maybe in the future.....
March 7, 2008
I just love this series; I am so glad I stumbled across the lovely Abby Rose. Capable, believable, and likeable, just when I think she's going to fall into one of the "bumbling unprofessional girl detective" stereotypes she averts disaster. EVERY time.
June 4, 2011
Well written mystery with enjoyable characters. There is a past history with the characters that is a little confusing, so I would advise reading the series in order. Clean language. It's definitely not classic material but fairly in-depth for its genre.
Read
May 26, 2012I have read all the books in this series and just love love love it....I cannot wait for the next one...I usually you immerse myself in a series if I enjoy it and then get mad there's no more! On to the next author, but waiting patiently for Leann's next!
February 18, 2015
In some ways I liked this one better than the rest of the series, in some ways not as much. The plot was more well developed than the earlier titles in the series - much more intricate. The what, when where why, and how were very satisfying. Unfortunately I guessed the who much too soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews