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José Picada, P.I.: Deception Al Dente
Having left the dull life of workers’ comp insurance behind to strike it out as a private detective, things aren’t going well for Josie P. Cates. Her new career isn't as exciting — or lucrative — as she thought it would be. As her bank account dwindles, her first major client finally walks in the door. Chef Marco, a successful local restaurateur, hires Josie to find out who's skimming money from his business. It doesn't take long for Josie to discover that things at Bistro Italiano aren’t what they seem. Secrets seem to cling to Chef Marco like splattered marinara sauce. With the help of friends both old and new, Josie unravels a case that takes her from the bistro to the world of deadly dark magic. At least it keeps things from being too boring.
111 pages, ebook
First published February 22, 2013
3 people want to read
About the author
Heather Fraser Brainerd
6 books7 followersHeather Fraser Brainerd is a multi-published author and a renaissance woman. After earning a degree in Anthropology, she embarked on an incongruous career as a workers' compensation insurance adjuster. She rapidly climbed the claims-handling ladder before surprising her colleagues by leaving the high-powered world of lumbar strains and carpal tunnel syndrome to run a child care center. Thousands of dirty diapers and gallons of strained peas later, she decided that maybe the insurance industry wasn't quite as bad as she remembered. Unfortunately, it was. Fortunately, a few years later, she was swept off her feet by the most wonderful man in the world. Now a stay-home mom to three amazing boys, she is able, at long last, to focus on her writing. She lives in New York with her family and their crazy pug/terrier.
Heather writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal mystery, Young Adult paranormal romance, and Middle Grade fantasy. All of her work contains a hefty dose of humor. Her books have received multiple 5-star reviews. Deception Al Dente, her debut novella, was an EPIC Awards finalist. Her influences include J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Stephenie Meyer. If she could marry a fictional character—and if she wasn’t already quite happily spoken for—she would be Mrs. Sherlock Holmes.
Heather writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal mystery, Young Adult paranormal romance, and Middle Grade fantasy. All of her work contains a hefty dose of humor. Her books have received multiple 5-star reviews. Deception Al Dente, her debut novella, was an EPIC Awards finalist. Her influences include J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Stephenie Meyer. If she could marry a fictional character—and if she wasn’t already quite happily spoken for—she would be Mrs. Sherlock Holmes.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 7 reviews
November 3, 2014
I picked up Deception Al Dente because I liked the way the reviews sounded, not to mention the cool name. People called it a great mystery with a twist. But, what I liked most about the reviews was the description of the PI. Most said she was likable if not a bit flawed. Who could resist that? I love a mystery that is light but also compelling.
Little did I know that Deception Al Dente was of the paranormal mystery genre. Perhaps it was good I didn't know this because it left me open to surprises. And, it gave the PI lots of room for delving into mysterious places--places not ordinarily explored.
Josie P. Cates a.k.a Jose' Picada is a delightful character. When her client, a rather overweight chef, enters her office with "Hey, doll, is Jose' around?", she is more concerned with the antique chair he chooses to sit in than she is his clearly sexist attitude. You'll find out as you read, that Josie took the persona of Jose' because of a colossal printing error. Nonetheless, I thought it might be to lend credibility to a "female" PI. That was surprise number one.
This book is definitely a fast read and fun page turner, full of surprises. If you're looking for something to read on the beach this summer, I recommend this choice. But, be sure and buy the second in the series, The Sound of Sirens, as well. That way you can stay entertained on the beach for at least two days!
Little did I know that Deception Al Dente was of the paranormal mystery genre. Perhaps it was good I didn't know this because it left me open to surprises. And, it gave the PI lots of room for delving into mysterious places--places not ordinarily explored.
Josie P. Cates a.k.a Jose' Picada is a delightful character. When her client, a rather overweight chef, enters her office with "Hey, doll, is Jose' around?", she is more concerned with the antique chair he chooses to sit in than she is his clearly sexist attitude. You'll find out as you read, that Josie took the persona of Jose' because of a colossal printing error. Nonetheless, I thought it might be to lend credibility to a "female" PI. That was surprise number one.
This book is definitely a fast read and fun page turner, full of surprises. If you're looking for something to read on the beach this summer, I recommend this choice. But, be sure and buy the second in the series, The Sound of Sirens, as well. That way you can stay entertained on the beach for at least two days!
May 30, 2014
José Picada, P.I.: Deception Al Dente (MuseItUp Publishing 2013) was written by the sister/brother writing duo of Heather Fraser Brainerd and David Fraser and is a fun-packed (and laugh-out-loud funny) mystery that combines a tight plot, very quirky characters, and a ton of word play and wry observations into a compelling whole. The protagonist Josie Cates – don’t ask why her cards read José Picada – faces many hurdles as she tries to get her detective business off the ground and the ingenious ways she overcomes her own shortcomings and her droll comments on the world around her are a constant delight. The plot contains an entertaining series of twists and turns as Josie investigates losses at the restaurant of her client as well as some bizarre behavior by the client’s wife. Mix in a bit of paranormal activity and it all works together in an ending that satisfies but also leaves you wanting more of this writing duo and their detective. This book is available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Jos%C3%A9-Picad...
January 9, 2014
José Picada, P.I.: Deception Al Dente is an exciting mystery, starring Private Eye, Josie P. Cates who hasn't had much luck in her newly chosen profession as a private investigator. When she gets hired by Chef Marco, who wants to find out who is stealing money from his business, she uncovers sinister plots in her investigations, some of which touch on dark magic.
The talented, Heather Fraser Brainerd and David Fraser have a cast of intriguing characters, great dialogue, lots of wonderful twists and turns with a surprise ending. The mystery is well crafted and fast paced. I highly recommend José Picada, P.I.: Deception Al Dente, the first in the José Picada series. I look forward to the next in the series.
The talented, Heather Fraser Brainerd and David Fraser have a cast of intriguing characters, great dialogue, lots of wonderful twists and turns with a surprise ending. The mystery is well crafted and fast paced. I highly recommend José Picada, P.I.: Deception Al Dente, the first in the José Picada series. I look forward to the next in the series.
April 4, 2014
Heather and her brother, David, have conspired to write a very entertaining and amusing detective novel. Don't ask me how siblings can collaborate on a book. Doesn't matter, because they've found the right formula.
Deception Al Dente begins on a rollicking note, introducing the feisty, extremely likable, detective Josie Pace. The book is short, funny, and the prose snaps along at a crisp pace. Best of all (and like all noirish tales), the character is written with extreme sass and witty asides. The tale even dips into the surprising supernatural arena. Bonus!
The only problem I have with the book--and it's a minor one--is the title. It's quite a mouthful to recommend to someone!
But, recommend I do. Very much so. And I look forward to more adventures of Ms. Pace.
Deception Al Dente begins on a rollicking note, introducing the feisty, extremely likable, detective Josie Pace. The book is short, funny, and the prose snaps along at a crisp pace. Best of all (and like all noirish tales), the character is written with extreme sass and witty asides. The tale even dips into the surprising supernatural arena. Bonus!
The only problem I have with the book--and it's a minor one--is the title. It's quite a mouthful to recommend to someone!
But, recommend I do. Very much so. And I look forward to more adventures of Ms. Pace.
June 26, 2014
Take a private investigator, a chef, a thief, a bum, and O. J. Simpson. Mix together and you have a rollicking story of magic, mystery, and fun that will make you laugh and more than once cheer for the good guys and boo the bad guys. At least it did me.
JOSE PICADA P.I.: DECEPTION AL DENTE, by authors Heather Fraser Brainerd and David Fraser takes the reader on an exciting adventure with Marco Augustino, owner of Bistro Italiano, who hires Josie/Jose (don’t ask) to find out who’s stealing from his restaurant. Marco has other troubles too but we won’t go into those here. The authors plant a lot of surprises, along with unexpected twists and turns along the way as our P. I. attempts to solve the mystery of what’s going on at the Bistro.
I laughed as Josie followed a trail of clues that led to encounters with interesting characters. Does she discover who the thief is? You may not be prepared for the answer. One thing’s for sure, people in this novella are not always who or what they seem to be. Another thing, if I ever need a private investigator, I’m hiring Jose Picada. Once you’ve read the story, I think you’ll agree. I recommend this novella for all readers that enjoy a fun read with characters that will entertain you and stay with you long after you’re come to the end.
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JOSE PICADA P.I.: DECEPTION AL DENTE, by authors Heather Fraser Brainerd and David Fraser takes the reader on an exciting adventure with Marco Augustino, owner of Bistro Italiano, who hires Josie/Jose (don’t ask) to find out who’s stealing from his restaurant. Marco has other troubles too but we won’t go into those here. The authors plant a lot of surprises, along with unexpected twists and turns along the way as our P. I. attempts to solve the mystery of what’s going on at the Bistro.
I laughed as Josie followed a trail of clues that led to encounters with interesting characters. Does she discover who the thief is? You may not be prepared for the answer. One thing’s for sure, people in this novella are not always who or what they seem to be. Another thing, if I ever need a private investigator, I’m hiring Jose Picada. Once you’ve read the story, I think you’ll agree. I recommend this novella for all readers that enjoy a fun read with characters that will entertain you and stay with you long after you’re come to the end.
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December 26, 2016
José Picada, P.I.: Deception Al Dente by Heather Fraser Brainerd and David Fraser is a hilarious, well-written read filled with all the things I love in a book and a series. It’s hard not to fall in love with Josie P. Cates. She’s young, struggling, and about as snarky as your twice-divorced Aunt Rosie. But not only is this character irresistible: the writing is superb and the plot fast-paced and fascinating. I read this book over the holiday (yes even on Christmas Day!), and it kept me guessing and laughing for hours. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to this first installment of a fabulous series!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 7 reviews