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Jersey Shore Mystery #1
Red Tape
2013 Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention Award Winner!
2013 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Finalist!
A mystery that will make you lol! In this captivating tale of crime, government corruption and mystery, Municipal Clerk Chelsey Alton gets more than she bargained for when she encounters an irate resident and loose cannon, Robert Triggers. He has been harassing the employees in the small, Jersey shore town where she works and becomes the prime suspect when multiple attempts to sabotage the municipal building are made. Chelsey begins to piece it all together and finds herself framed for a crime she did not commit. She narrowly escapes several attempts at her demise, only to find herself in a much more precarious situation. Will she make it out alive or end up a tragic victim at the hands of a madman?
2013 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards Finalist!
A mystery that will make you lol! In this captivating tale of crime, government corruption and mystery, Municipal Clerk Chelsey Alton gets more than she bargained for when she encounters an irate resident and loose cannon, Robert Triggers. He has been harassing the employees in the small, Jersey shore town where she works and becomes the prime suspect when multiple attempts to sabotage the municipal building are made. Chelsey begins to piece it all together and finds herself framed for a crime she did not commit. She narrowly escapes several attempts at her demise, only to find herself in a much more precarious situation. Will she make it out alive or end up a tragic victim at the hands of a madman?
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2013
79 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Michele Lynn Seigfried
18 books77 followersMichele Lynn Seigfried is the author of humorous, cozy mystery novels and a children’s picture book author/illustrator.
Michele was born and raised in New Jersey. In her mystery novels, she draws from her personal expertise in the area of municipal government, in which she has served for over 18 years in two different municipalities.
She holds a B.A. in communication from the College of New Jersey with a minor in art. She obtained the Master Municipal Clerk certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 2010. She also holds the Registered Municipal Clerk certification and Certified Municipal Registrar Certifications from the State of New Jersey.
In combining her love of writing with art, Michele began writing and illustrating children’s picture books in 2013. She has won several awards for her novels.
Michele is a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime – Central Jersey, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, New Jersey Author’s Network, International Institute of Municipal Clerks, Central Jersey Registrar’s Association, Municipal Clerk’s Association of New Jersey, and the Municipal Clerk’s Association of Mercer County, where she is currently President. She also serves on the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Legislative Committee.
Michele was born and raised in New Jersey. In her mystery novels, she draws from her personal expertise in the area of municipal government, in which she has served for over 18 years in two different municipalities.
She holds a B.A. in communication from the College of New Jersey with a minor in art. She obtained the Master Municipal Clerk certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 2010. She also holds the Registered Municipal Clerk certification and Certified Municipal Registrar Certifications from the State of New Jersey.
In combining her love of writing with art, Michele began writing and illustrating children’s picture books in 2013. She has won several awards for her novels.
Michele is a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime – Central Jersey, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, New Jersey Author’s Network, International Institute of Municipal Clerks, Central Jersey Registrar’s Association, Municipal Clerk’s Association of New Jersey, and the Municipal Clerk’s Association of Mercer County, where she is currently President. She also serves on the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Legislative Committee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 30, 2013
‘He had crazy eyes.' Great opening sentence and our introduction to one Robert Triggers, recent retiree and resident mouthy nut job. Is he truly dangerous, or is he no more than a thorn in the side of anyone with whom he comes into contact? They are about to find out in the small town of Sunshine, New Jersey.
If you have ever worked in a small office environment, you will recognize the feel of it here. It is captured perfectly as we meet the handful of employees at the Municipal Building. Town clerk Chelsey Alton is chief election official, custodian of records and all around general factotum. Her good friend, Bonnie, is her assistant. Bonnie is a hoot – you will get a real kick out of her character. Her ribald asides are hilarious and her semi-obsession with firemen and their hoses is just too funny. Another grin-producer is Rodney, a quiet unassuming middle-aged man who is in the habit of baking brownies and bringing them to work to share. Widely known that Rodney has a bad habit of lacing his brownies with a dose of his prescription marijuana, everyone assiduously avoids eating them.
Full of everyday humor, there is plenty of serious business going on as well. The slice of life portions seem to be right on target, and there is an element of danger in there without it being blown completely out of proportion.
The writing is clean and simple. It was very nice to sit down and read a good story that didn’t try to do too much. This was a First-reads giveaway, signed by the author, and came with a nifty bookmark. Thank you!
If you have ever worked in a small office environment, you will recognize the feel of it here. It is captured perfectly as we meet the handful of employees at the Municipal Building. Town clerk Chelsey Alton is chief election official, custodian of records and all around general factotum. Her good friend, Bonnie, is her assistant. Bonnie is a hoot – you will get a real kick out of her character. Her ribald asides are hilarious and her semi-obsession with firemen and their hoses is just too funny. Another grin-producer is Rodney, a quiet unassuming middle-aged man who is in the habit of baking brownies and bringing them to work to share. Widely known that Rodney has a bad habit of lacing his brownies with a dose of his prescription marijuana, everyone assiduously avoids eating them.
Full of everyday humor, there is plenty of serious business going on as well. The slice of life portions seem to be right on target, and there is an element of danger in there without it being blown completely out of proportion.
The writing is clean and simple. It was very nice to sit down and read a good story that didn’t try to do too much. This was a First-reads giveaway, signed by the author, and came with a nifty bookmark. Thank you!
February 24, 2016
Really good and can't wait to read the next book in the series
May 25, 2013
Red Tape was a thrilling ride through the small town of Sunshine, New Jersey. Chelsey works for the town helping with town meetings, helping people file for marriage licenses, death certificates, etc., among other tasks like working the polls during elections. As the story starts, Chelsey is just coming back to work after maternity leave. She’s a single mom, newly split from her fiance, but loving her life, nonetheless. But, things quickly change after she heads back to work. Robert Triggers wants some dunes installed at the end of his street to prevent his home from being destroyed in a storm. He determines to push the issue as far as he can, and he’s particularly out to get the mayor. Questions start forming in Chelsey’s mind when the office she works in is vandalized and safety papers (forms for vital statistics) are discovered missing. Before long Chelsey becomes a target. She finds herself battling more than one kind of storm.
This was an easy and enjoyable read for me. The characters were all well-described, and their unique personalities shined. I could easily see myself being friends with Chelsey. She’s a strong and independent lady; she’s not weak like so many protagonists today. She doesn’t just lay down and become a victim, and I really appreciated that. There were a couple times I did wonder how she wouldn’t be more freaked out than she was.
The plot was always intriguing, and as the plot thickened the tension was palpable. The scenes were gripping, and some really pulled on my heart strings. I balled my way through one heart-wrenching scene. Let me note here that there’s some strong language in some of the scenes that may be found offensive to some.
The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the ending. It just felt very abrupt, and I have found myself struggling to remember exactly how it ended. I think it just lacked a little of the punch the rest of the book delivered. Overall, I’d rate it a solid 4 stars with its gripping scenes, and the strong emotions it evoked. I read mysteries from time to time, but I wouldn’t by any means say they’re my favorite genre. The fact that I look forward to reading more from Michele Seigfried should say a lot!!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
This was an easy and enjoyable read for me. The characters were all well-described, and their unique personalities shined. I could easily see myself being friends with Chelsey. She’s a strong and independent lady; she’s not weak like so many protagonists today. She doesn’t just lay down and become a victim, and I really appreciated that. There were a couple times I did wonder how she wouldn’t be more freaked out than she was.
The plot was always intriguing, and as the plot thickened the tension was palpable. The scenes were gripping, and some really pulled on my heart strings. I balled my way through one heart-wrenching scene. Let me note here that there’s some strong language in some of the scenes that may be found offensive to some.
The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the ending. It just felt very abrupt, and I have found myself struggling to remember exactly how it ended. I think it just lacked a little of the punch the rest of the book delivered. Overall, I’d rate it a solid 4 stars with its gripping scenes, and the strong emotions it evoked. I read mysteries from time to time, but I wouldn’t by any means say they’re my favorite genre. The fact that I look forward to reading more from Michele Seigfried should say a lot!!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
April 12, 2013
I was given an ARC of Red Tape by the Author and I agreed to post an honest review. I found this book to be a pretty good mystery with quite a few areas of comic relief. I enjoyed the character of Bonnie and her inappropriate comments! I also enjoyed the quirky Triggers character and though he made a good villian. Once I got past Chapter 5, I couldn't put the book down. It was a fast read and I finished it in a week. There were two plots, all wraped up in one novel. I thought the descriptions of what happened during Hurricane Sandy was on target. I will be on the lookout for this author's next book.
September 2, 2013
I enjoyed reading this captivating crime story from the lovely town of Sunshine.
I find it amusing and mysterious in same time. It’s a story that suddenly takes us from joy to terror and back.
I like this book because it’s easy reading and it’s not that kind of sugary love story, as I thought at the beginning.
I liked Chelsey and her family. I also liked Bonnie and wish to have a real friend as her.
I didn’t really liked what happened in the end to Mr. Triggers, but somehow he deserved it.
I would enjoy reading other books by Michele Seigfried!
I find it amusing and mysterious in same time. It’s a story that suddenly takes us from joy to terror and back.
I like this book because it’s easy reading and it’s not that kind of sugary love story, as I thought at the beginning.
I liked Chelsey and her family. I also liked Bonnie and wish to have a real friend as her.
I didn’t really liked what happened in the end to Mr. Triggers, but somehow he deserved it.
I would enjoy reading other books by Michele Seigfried!
August 14, 2013
This book had me hooked on the first page. The action is non-stop from cover to cover. Just when you think the worst has happened, something more insane takes place. I love Michele's character descriptions and I especially love how she set the scene at the Jersey shore (something I can definitely relate to)! Excellent book and I highly recommend it! I'm looking forward to the sequel.
May 3, 2013
Got this recently and felt pretty good about it. Was a good and interesting story. Made me laugh.
February 12, 2014
Good book the title could have been chosen better
September 3, 2013
This was a great mystery! I couldn't put it down. Who'd have thought a municipal clerk would have such a fascinating life? Loved it!
August 14, 2013
really enjoyed reading this book. loved the characters and the story. nice ending
January 17, 2015
Holy crazies!!! This book is a pretty fast paced mystery with a lot of twists and turns, just be careful of the town crazies, they are dangerous!
March 24, 2015
Nice story
I like mysteries some with a lot of action some just sweet stories. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I like mysteries some with a lot of action some just sweet stories. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 24, 2015
very good read!
December 1, 2015
Very intriguing...lots of plot twists...descriptions of Hurricane Sandy
August 15, 2018
Power in high places
She's off on maternity leave, after having been ditched by her fiance, from her job at City Hall. However her return is greeted by tales of the FBI, a quarrelsome resident, missing papers, arson and finally being held at gunpoint. What has triggered all this? Why is the FBI interested? Why has she been arrested for the missing papers? What damage will the forthcoming hurricane bring? The plot is a good one but it just felt a bit unfinished. Also bear in mind that this is only87% of the page count. Maybe if it had been longer we would have had a bit more insight into the characters as they felt transparent in places.
She's off on maternity leave, after having been ditched by her fiance, from her job at City Hall. However her return is greeted by tales of the FBI, a quarrelsome resident, missing papers, arson and finally being held at gunpoint. What has triggered all this? Why is the FBI interested? Why has she been arrested for the missing papers? What damage will the forthcoming hurricane bring? The plot is a good one but it just felt a bit unfinished. Also bear in mind that this is only87% of the page count. Maybe if it had been longer we would have had a bit more insight into the characters as they felt transparent in places.
September 18, 2018
Municipal clerk Chelsey when she returns to work, her world iis turned upside down. Irritate customer Trigger is he behind the mishap at her work place. The town itself has a lot of weird people, one is definitely out to get Chelsey.The plot is fast moving, and easy enjoyable to read. Have read others by author have found them all good.
September 19, 2018
Red tape
Lots of interesting things going on. Nice people crazy people trouble k e makers. Everything was a surprise especially since no murder but interesting. Kept me reading and enjoying. A different kind of mystery but still interesting.
Lots of interesting things going on. Nice people crazy people trouble k e makers. Everything was a surprise especially since no murder but interesting. Kept me reading and enjoying. A different kind of mystery but still interesting.
September 3, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
July 10, 2018
2018 Popsugar Challenge: A book with your favorite color in the Title.
A quick, easy read.
A quick, easy read.
March 30, 2022
Great read. First time with this Author and really enjoyed the book.
July 22, 2022
Loved it!! Can’t wait to read the next one.
June 4, 2013
Title: Red Tape
Author: Michele Lynn Seigfried
Synopsis (from Amazon.com):
In this captivating tale of crime, government corruption and mystery, Municipal Clerk Chelsey Alton gets more than she bargained for when she encounters an irate resident and loose cannon, Robert Triggers. Triggers has been harassing the employees in the small, Jersey shore town where she works and he becomes the prime suspect when multiple attempts to sabotage the municipal building are made. Chelsey begins to piece it all together and finds herself framed for a crime she did not commit. She narrowly escapes several attempts at her demise, only to find herself in a much more precarious situation. Will she make it out alive or end up a tragic victim at the hands of a madman?
My thoughts: I am happy to be providing a review for this book for the book tour sponsored by Cozy Mystery Book Tours.
I must say that I really enjoyed this book. First of all as a frequent reader of cozy mysteries, I found the premise of having the main character be a Municipal Town Clerk rather interesting. Believe me, I know very little if anything about city government and definitely learned a lot of it in this mystery.
I found the main characters and the secondary characters likeable, charming, and always a good sign is that I want to know more about them!!! (Hint, hint, when is book 2 coming out? :)
The plot keeps moving right along as you learn more about the lives of the characters and the life within this small Jersey town.
The only thing that I found a bit jarring as a reader, and perhaps this is because it is a first time author, is some awkwardness in transitions between chapters and transitions in time. What I mean by this is I found myself happily reading along and all of a sudden we were in a different time or a couple days ahead of where we just were. The way in which these transitions were handled simply lacked a bit of fluidity to make it less jarring on the reader.
I look forward to learning more about these characters. I am hopeful there will be future books in this series.
And remember,
Books Are Life,
Author: Michele Lynn Seigfried
Synopsis (from Amazon.com):
In this captivating tale of crime, government corruption and mystery, Municipal Clerk Chelsey Alton gets more than she bargained for when she encounters an irate resident and loose cannon, Robert Triggers. Triggers has been harassing the employees in the small, Jersey shore town where she works and he becomes the prime suspect when multiple attempts to sabotage the municipal building are made. Chelsey begins to piece it all together and finds herself framed for a crime she did not commit. She narrowly escapes several attempts at her demise, only to find herself in a much more precarious situation. Will she make it out alive or end up a tragic victim at the hands of a madman?
My thoughts: I am happy to be providing a review for this book for the book tour sponsored by Cozy Mystery Book Tours.
I must say that I really enjoyed this book. First of all as a frequent reader of cozy mysteries, I found the premise of having the main character be a Municipal Town Clerk rather interesting. Believe me, I know very little if anything about city government and definitely learned a lot of it in this mystery.
I found the main characters and the secondary characters likeable, charming, and always a good sign is that I want to know more about them!!! (Hint, hint, when is book 2 coming out? :)
The plot keeps moving right along as you learn more about the lives of the characters and the life within this small Jersey town.
The only thing that I found a bit jarring as a reader, and perhaps this is because it is a first time author, is some awkwardness in transitions between chapters and transitions in time. What I mean by this is I found myself happily reading along and all of a sudden we were in a different time or a couple days ahead of where we just were. The way in which these transitions were handled simply lacked a bit of fluidity to make it less jarring on the reader.
I look forward to learning more about these characters. I am hopeful there will be future books in this series.
And remember,
Books Are Life,
June 9, 2013
Municipal clerk Chelsey Alton has just returned from maternity leave, and it seems she returned to a storm. Along with the usual quirky problems of a small-town, there is a newcomer in Sunshine, New Jersey. Mr. Triggers has an explosive temper and an obsession with sand dunes. When the city offices are sabotaged more than once, it looks as though the culprit might be obvious. But the theft of safety papers muddies the waters, and when Chelsey is framed for a crime she did not commit, things get even more confusing. Attempts on her life and a coming storm further complicate matters.
This debut novel is difficult to review, because it seemed to change course in the middle. It started as a witty, edgy/cozy mystery with fun characters and great dialogue. Admittedly, the mystery was easily solved, but it was still fun. Suddenly, the feel of the book changes into a dark, violent novel ending with [SPOILER ALERT!] the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and a hostage situation. It seems as though the author had several good ideas and tried to work them all into one book. It's not a bad debut novel, and Ms. Seigfried has real talent. I look forward to her future novels. This one was good, and the next will be better.
3.5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Cozy Mystery book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
This debut novel is difficult to review, because it seemed to change course in the middle. It started as a witty, edgy/cozy mystery with fun characters and great dialogue. Admittedly, the mystery was easily solved, but it was still fun. Suddenly, the feel of the book changes into a dark, violent novel ending with [SPOILER ALERT!] the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and a hostage situation. It seems as though the author had several good ideas and tried to work them all into one book. It's not a bad debut novel, and Ms. Seigfried has real talent. I look forward to her future novels. This one was good, and the next will be better.
3.5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Cozy Mystery book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
August 10, 2014
Zoe and Jason are former lovers and former CIA agents now working at the White House. After a mission gone bad leaving Zoe scared, and Jason suddenly reassigned. Zoe now has a boring job working with documents in the basement at the White House. Zoe had noticed some strange things in the basement and decides to explore. Jason finds her rushes her into a closet while a few other people enter the room. Zoe witnesses something that will blow your mind (but I am not going to tell you because that would be a big spoiler!) Jason pulls Zoe into work on the special project and the adventure begins.
I enjoyed the book. There were a lot of hot scenes between Zoe and Jason. I thought the overall premise of the story was a little farfetched. I don’t know if there would ever be a “special project� as was referred to in this book. I loved the happily-ever-after ending between Jason and Zoe. The story moved fast and kept my interest. I would recommend book but keep in mind that it is fiction.
I enjoyed the book. There were a lot of hot scenes between Zoe and Jason. I thought the overall premise of the story was a little farfetched. I don’t know if there would ever be a “special project� as was referred to in this book. I loved the happily-ever-after ending between Jason and Zoe. The story moved fast and kept my interest. I would recommend book but keep in mind that it is fiction.
September 3, 2013
I found Red Tape by Michele Lynn Seigfried through a poster at a local library where she will be soon be speaking. Red Tape is described as a cozy mystery and I think that’s correct. It got off to a slow start, but caught my interest when it brought Hurricane Sandy into the story. Seigfried wrote with the empathy of someone who had actually lived through the Hurricane Sandy experience. Having lived through the same experience, her words rang true. For me, her descriptions were the most heart-felt and engaging part of the book. By the time I finished the book, I understood where the slow beginning had been heading. Red Tape was a good, cozy read and worth reading to get a feeling for what it was like at the Jersey shore during Hurricane Sandy.
August 27, 2015
I chose to read Red Tape because it takes place at the Jersey Shore. Turned out there wasn't much of the shore until Hurricane Sandy hit the fictional town of Sunshine. What made Red Tape so readible was the main character is a Municipal Clerk which is very similar to my job as a deputy clerk & recorder. The author's real life experience added authenticity to the dramatic story. I especially appreciated her description of holding an election right after the hurricane. The only confusing thing about this series is it is advertised as comedic. I found it more hard boiled than funny. I would read the next two books written in the series so far.
August 21, 2016
This book was almost a 5 star read for me. The only issue I had was I wanted the end to be a little bit different because no matter how crazy he was I absolutely loved Triggers. This book had so many twists and turns and I truly enjoyed it. Great quick read.
September 7, 2013
Sorry. I couldn't even finish this book, and I just never do that. I just finally decided I couldn't waste my time on it. I made it to the office break-in and then skipped to the end. I have trouble giving a book less than three stars, but this was so badly written and the story was awful.
March 22, 2016
I found it to be a very entertaining read. Very easy to read with likable characters. A surprisingly refreshing novel with an extremely surprising ending. I enjoyed it much.
August 30, 2013
A fun read. I detected 4 errors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews