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Dana MacKenzie #1
Fatal Debt
Dana Mackenzie finds herself working for a faceless financial institution — it's either this or piercing ears at the mall — and while she's grateful for a job, she has no intentions of following the corporate offices' heartless orders.
When she's instructed to repossess a 42-inch Sony television from an elderly couple, Dana intends to put her own twist on the assignment. But upon arriving at their run down house in a gang infested neighborhood, she's horrified to find sweet old Mr. Sullivan murdered.
The homicide detective investigating the case is Nick Travis, Dana's high school crush. Sparks ignite, but a dark secret threatens to keep them apart — unless Nick comes clean about the past.
Dana agrees to help Mr. Sullivan's grieving family locate his grandson, a guy with a surprising new lifestyle who's been missing since the day of the murder. Her good intentions put her in the thick of the murder investigation and on a collision course with the killer.
When she's instructed to repossess a 42-inch Sony television from an elderly couple, Dana intends to put her own twist on the assignment. But upon arriving at their run down house in a gang infested neighborhood, she's horrified to find sweet old Mr. Sullivan murdered.
The homicide detective investigating the case is Nick Travis, Dana's high school crush. Sparks ignite, but a dark secret threatens to keep them apart — unless Nick comes clean about the past.
Dana agrees to help Mr. Sullivan's grieving family locate his grandson, a guy with a surprising new lifestyle who's been missing since the day of the murder. Her good intentions put her in the thick of the murder investigation and on a collision course with the killer.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2013
91 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Howell
76 books273 followersDorothy Howell writes for two publishing houses, in two genres, under two names. She writes mysteries as Dorothy Howell historical romance novels under the pseudonym Judith Stacy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this first entry in the series. I found Dana to be a likeable character and she might do a pretty good job when she runs the world and I agree with a lot of the things she wants to do when she does. The mystery was good and kept me guessing. I liked the chemistry between Nick and Dana. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
September 23, 2014
A total Stephanie plum rip off.
October 30, 2017
Collections and Murder
Dana Mackenzie,” was an Asset Manager for a lending company and she worked with customers that were behind on their payments. During a house call Dana found a body, and became involved in a murder of one of her customers. This led to a serirs of threats against her life.
As she began working with the lead detective, she discovered that he was the ex-boyfriend of her best friend. Uncomfortable over the way that relationship ended, and knowing that she had a crush on him back then, made it difficult to work together to find this killer before something happened to her.
This mystery had a good plot and was a quick read anticipating the clues she discovered. Romance, too, was brewing in spite of how hard she pushed those feeings away, to keep you wondering where this would lead her.
Dana Mackenzie,” was an Asset Manager for a lending company and she worked with customers that were behind on their payments. During a house call Dana found a body, and became involved in a murder of one of her customers. This led to a serirs of threats against her life.
As she began working with the lead detective, she discovered that he was the ex-boyfriend of her best friend. Uncomfortable over the way that relationship ended, and knowing that she had a crush on him back then, made it difficult to work together to find this killer before something happened to her.
This mystery had a good plot and was a quick read anticipating the clues she discovered. Romance, too, was brewing in spite of how hard she pushed those feeings away, to keep you wondering where this would lead her.
August 12, 2023
Fast-paced murder mystery. Dana just has to help out the Sullivan's but what happens when she stops by that evening? She finds Mr. Sullivan's body and gets a glimpse of an escaping man. Now, Dana just can't stop wanting to find the murderer no matter how many threats she receives. And, there is romance here as the homicide detective, Nick Travis tries to shield her and solve the case. This is a fun read - a cozy mystery with all the elements - female sleuth, police, humor, romance and a lineup of characters that could inhabit any town.
January 1, 2018
‼️‼️
Dorothy is definitely one of my favorite mystery writers. I love the humor she brings in her story’s. Also her characters are entertaining. Dana was sassy and I loved her attitude. The story kept you interested and half way through I was able to figure the killer. Great read.
Dorothy is definitely one of my favorite mystery writers. I love the humor she brings in her story’s. Also her characters are entertaining. Dana was sassy and I loved her attitude. The story kept you interested and half way through I was able to figure the killer. Great read.
June 29, 2017
Picked up this one for free....and enjoyed reading!
Quick easy read...
Quick easy read...
August 6, 2017
Needs polish
Polish needed. The mystery is okay but big annoying bug in the side story drove me bonkers. Kinda liked MC but exhausted by everything else messy.
Polish needed. The mystery is okay but big annoying bug in the side story drove me bonkers. Kinda liked MC but exhausted by everything else messy.
February 22, 2018
Good book
It was a good book with murder, humor, and clean. It was also like a cozy book. Highly recommend it.
It was a good book with murder, humor, and clean. It was also like a cozy book. Highly recommend it.
April 2, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so . Shelley Ma
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so . Shelley Ma
January 6, 2016
Fatal Debt features an amateur sleuth with a profession I do not think I ever would have conceived of reading about with interest, let alone considered it to work well within a mystery novella; but, here we are. Dana MacKenzie works for a payday loan service office, or something to the effect of where the business gives personal loans to people who really cannot afford to pay for what they are buying. Dave Ramsey considers this particular business to be the lowest of the bottom feeders in the financial industry.
My financial digression aside, Howell really pulled me into this book with the nontraditional career perspective Dana has. It also opened my eyes to the fact that, although I deride the whole concept of the business of preying on the financially inept, that the people that work for them are just that: people--with feelings, sympathy, and good intentions (for the most part). Dana bends over backwards for a lot of her clients who are just in a monetary rut and need a little more time to pay back their loans; meanwhile, she exacts a bit of personal justice on those who simply do not pay. These latter moments really gave me that chill of enjoyment from seeing justice being served.
I probably would have found the thought of a loan officer and her office minutia to be boring, but Howell balanced her descriptions of the mundane interactions with office coworkers and clientele with the fun part of the job in a way a lot of office workers (myself included) can identify with. After finding herself mixed in the murder investigation, Dana uses her work's connections to speed up the progress by using her ability to do background checks, financial reports, and asset collection to narrow down the suspects and try to find out motive.
Of course, a few of the downsides of this particular book (as there are with many ebooks) greatly deal with the need for a copyeditor. I'm not a grammar prude (okay, maybe I am), but I do get taken out of the story when I come across words that SpellCheck missed that are technically words but do not fit in the progression of the sentence. I think it just needed another pair of eyes on it to pick out some easy-to-miss flaws.
Story-wise, Dana is an interesting character but not one I would typically consider identifying with. She is a bit brash and, particularly from her interactions with her coworkers, seems to be the office mate I would try to avoid; but then, her coworkers also gave me that impression. The stereotype of mostly female inter-office relationships being a haven of jealousy and backbiting applies here.
Also, her interactions with detective Nick, the guy she hates mentally but lusts for physically, seemed to be forcing itself toward a relationship because that's the way these books are supposed to end. I couldn't tell how old Dana was supposed to be (probably late 20's, early 30's?) but when it came to Nick she was evidently 14. That might be the way women actually be mentally around guys they like, but in reading I found it immature and probably skimmed those parts to get to the real meat of this book, which was the investigation and whether Dana was going to get herself killed.
Fatal Debt was the first in the series featuring Dana MacKenzie; book two is called Fatal Luck. I think I have to read the next one simply to answer the question about Nick's high school incident that was ever-present and continuously popping up throughout the story.
My financial digression aside, Howell really pulled me into this book with the nontraditional career perspective Dana has. It also opened my eyes to the fact that, although I deride the whole concept of the business of preying on the financially inept, that the people that work for them are just that: people--with feelings, sympathy, and good intentions (for the most part). Dana bends over backwards for a lot of her clients who are just in a monetary rut and need a little more time to pay back their loans; meanwhile, she exacts a bit of personal justice on those who simply do not pay. These latter moments really gave me that chill of enjoyment from seeing justice being served.
I probably would have found the thought of a loan officer and her office minutia to be boring, but Howell balanced her descriptions of the mundane interactions with office coworkers and clientele with the fun part of the job in a way a lot of office workers (myself included) can identify with. After finding herself mixed in the murder investigation, Dana uses her work's connections to speed up the progress by using her ability to do background checks, financial reports, and asset collection to narrow down the suspects and try to find out motive.
Of course, a few of the downsides of this particular book (as there are with many ebooks) greatly deal with the need for a copyeditor. I'm not a grammar prude (okay, maybe I am), but I do get taken out of the story when I come across words that SpellCheck missed that are technically words but do not fit in the progression of the sentence. I think it just needed another pair of eyes on it to pick out some easy-to-miss flaws.
Story-wise, Dana is an interesting character but not one I would typically consider identifying with. She is a bit brash and, particularly from her interactions with her coworkers, seems to be the office mate I would try to avoid; but then, her coworkers also gave me that impression. The stereotype of mostly female inter-office relationships being a haven of jealousy and backbiting applies here.
Also, her interactions with detective Nick, the guy she hates mentally but lusts for physically, seemed to be forcing itself toward a relationship because that's the way these books are supposed to end. I couldn't tell how old Dana was supposed to be (probably late 20's, early 30's?) but when it came to Nick she was evidently 14. That might be the way women actually be mentally around guys they like, but in reading I found it immature and probably skimmed those parts to get to the real meat of this book, which was the investigation and whether Dana was going to get herself killed.
Fatal Debt was the first in the series featuring Dana MacKenzie; book two is called Fatal Luck. I think I have to read the next one simply to answer the question about Nick's high school incident that was ever-present and continuously popping up throughout the story.
January 4, 2015
a girl working in a office where she has to repo a old couples tv (they are in their late 60's not THAT old) and she goes in and finds the husband dead. she had just called a police man to tell him his payment was late (it really came and she tore it up) as he was teh boyfriend of her best friend in hs. he had gotten her preg, and abortion, then left town. hes back now and shes not happy with him.
i think she is wrong about her friend getting preg by the now cop. i think they like each other. she is trying to figure out who killed the nice old man and is being threatened by someone who doesnt like her meddling
the tow truck driver comes to her rescue a few times and even attends the funeral with her. i hate her co worker supervisor and spineless boss. i can picture both of them exactly.
this book is really good!
the book ended with a lot of questions unanswered. there is the next book, fatal luck , which is not on link so i dont know if i'll ever get to read it
i think she is wrong about her friend getting preg by the now cop. i think they like each other. she is trying to figure out who killed the nice old man and is being threatened by someone who doesnt like her meddling
the tow truck driver comes to her rescue a few times and even attends the funeral with her. i hate her co worker supervisor and spineless boss. i can picture both of them exactly.
this book is really good!
the book ended with a lot of questions unanswered. there is the next book, fatal luck , which is not on link so i dont know if i'll ever get to read it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2015
I downloaded the Kindle version of this book for free in return for a review.
Another fun, easy read. I really should take a break between books in the genre so I can better remember them.
In this one, the lead character is called Dana and she works for a lending company and witnesses the murder of a client. She tries to find out who done it, with help from two attractive friends: an old school friend, now police detective called Nick and a kinda colleague called Slade.
As expected, she gets herself into lots of trouble that her friends help get her out of, and she falls in love with one or both of them...
Another fun, easy read. I really should take a break between books in the genre so I can better remember them.
In this one, the lead character is called Dana and she works for a lending company and witnesses the murder of a client. She tries to find out who done it, with help from two attractive friends: an old school friend, now police detective called Nick and a kinda colleague called Slade.
As expected, she gets herself into lots of trouble that her friends help get her out of, and she falls in love with one or both of them...
November 1, 2014
THIS WAS A VERY PLEASANT SATURDAY, READ THE MAIN CHARACTER, DANA IS WILD. I NEVER EXPECTED HER TO BE IN THAT LINE OF WORK, REALLY DIFFERENT. I THINK I KNOW THE REAL SECRET OF HER FORMER BFF ESPECIALLY AFTER HER MOM GAVE US CLUE. THE CHARACTERS WERE VERY LIKABLE AND FUNNY AT TIMES. I LIKED IT EVEN THOUGH IT'S A SERIES BUT READS LIKE A STAND ALONE, I'LL HAVE TO SEE IF MY GUESS IS RIGHT IN THE NEXT BOOK, WHEN WE LEARN MORE ABOUT NICK. I SAY, THERE WILL BE NO MORE SERIES WHEN I TAKE OVER THE WORLD. SMILE! ;D
June 11, 2014
Repossessing a TV from a sweet elderly couple (I question the ‘elderly’, because they’re only in their 60s, but I guess the heroine is a good deal younger LOL) should be relatively easy (if not sad), but when it results in the elderly husband being found dead and the wife missing, cue in a new mystery series with a likable heroine, a hunky detective, an intriguing repo man (be still my pounding heart), and engaging side characters! I’ll be looking more for this series!
September 22, 2014
Not my favorite book ever -- glad it was offered for free as a promotion. While the mystery was okay, it wasn't as compelling as I would have liked. I kept reading thinking the mystery might get a bit better but it didn't. While there weren't a lot of grammatical errors there definitely enough to pull me from the story and in my opinion, very blaring.
That being said, I wouldn't be opposed to reading some of Dorothy's other work.
That being said, I wouldn't be opposed to reading some of Dorothy's other work.
November 8, 2014
Dana Mackenzie is too much like the Stephanie Plum series. Sexy hot repo bad boy with his secret past, Sexy hot cop, with a secret since high school and Dana with her sarcastic wit and need to solve murder cases. The only difference is Dana's best friend and her parents. Dana's curiosity gets the best of her when one of her client's is murdered and she finds his body. She follows the trail and comes face to face with the killer, only to be rescued by the hot sexy homicide detective.
January 19, 2015
Really good read. It kept to the story without getting so side-tracked with useless information like the color of the flowers that lasted a page, or going for coffee that detailed getting a cup, pouring the coffee, etc. I hate that useless stuff. A murder mystery with a little side humor and a little romance brewing. The start of a series.
October 7, 2014
a good paced story, and likeable characters. There was a bit too much emphasis on the high school element aspect as to why the heroine despised the hero, especially as it wasn't resolved in this story. As the author seems to intend to carry it on into further volumes, I felt it added nothing to the story in this context, and could have been much more low-key.
December 24, 2014
Great humorous crime novel
This book got me thinking is this a crime novel or a Comedy as it turns out it's both I can't say enough about Dorothy Howell's ability to add just enough humor to storyline to keep smiling with enough suspense to keep you interested so you won't want to put the book down.
I
This book got me thinking is this a crime novel or a Comedy as it turns out it's both I can't say enough about Dorothy Howell's ability to add just enough humor to storyline to keep smiling with enough suspense to keep you interested so you won't want to put the book down.
I
March 20, 2015
I read the reviews from readers stating this book was a rip off of Janet Evanovich. I see the comparison quite often from reviewers and tend to take it with a grain of salt. However, this time I have to agree 100%. Each main character in the Plum series is copied in Fatal Debt and falls short.
If you've never read Evanovich, you might enjoy Howell. Otherwise it is just okay.
If you've never read Evanovich, you might enjoy Howell. Otherwise it is just okay.
March 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It was chick lit at its' best. Fully engaging, fun, and funny. A somewhat simple murder mystery, but told so well you can't put it down. I can't wait for the next one to come out
October 10, 2014
Kind of a fun yarn, but the protagonist is terribly hard headed, constantly acts out of control and makes very stupid decisions. I'd be really upset if I hadn't gotten this book as a limited time freebie as it has many uncorrected typos! I did enjoy reading it however!
Read
February 6, 2015Heard this was a good one.
My library does not own this one. Could take few weeks to get from Dayton, OH. So, will hold off on this for now. 7 other of her books are in another series, I may try later at another time.
My library does not own this one. Could take few weeks to get from Dayton, OH. So, will hold off on this for now. 7 other of her books are in another series, I may try later at another time.
June 1, 2015
Good to pass the time
Decent enough to pass time on airplane or waiting in a doctor's office. A quick read. Wouldn't call it a page turner. Simply a cute story that's nicely written.
Decent enough to pass time on airplane or waiting in a doctor's office. A quick read. Wouldn't call it a page turner. Simply a cute story that's nicely written.
July 5, 2015
Enjoyed the book
This was a good book and I enjoyed the characters and some insight into mortgage companies' operations. While it was not the most suspenseful book, it did leave you wanting the answer to the final question. The answer comes in the next novella.
This was a good book and I enjoyed the characters and some insight into mortgage companies' operations. While it was not the most suspenseful book, it did leave you wanting the answer to the final question. The answer comes in the next novella.
August 23, 2015
Too cartoonish for my taste
Why do so many writers write young women with the emotional maturity of 12? And some of her actions seem even younger than that. And there would be no way she could keep her job, especially since it's supposedly set during the recent recession.
Why do so many writers write young women with the emotional maturity of 12? And some of her actions seem even younger than that. And there would be no way she could keep her job, especially since it's supposedly set during the recent recession.
September 20, 2014
OMG. I loved this book. Evanovich-ish, but set close to home in sunny So Cal. The humorous element, with a lil bit of mystery made my day. Here we go on a whole new author/adventure!
September 29, 2014
When Stephanie Plum moved to California...
October 29, 2014
Quick, easy, fun read. Only problem is it leaves you hanging about the relationship of Dana and Nick. Therefor, I will probably try to read next book that promises to give me the answer!
February 23, 2015
Not great
Sorry -whole time I am reading this I am thinking of Stephanie Plum and how this is a poor copy cat.
Sorry -whole time I am reading this I am thinking of Stephanie Plum and how this is a poor copy cat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews