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Lizzie Hart Mysteries #1
It's Just a Little Crush
Meet Lizzie Hart. Small town girl...big time problems.
Hindered only by her raging crush on the office hunk, wannabe sleuth Lizzie Hart spies, accuses, and gossips her way to the truth in bestselling author Caroline Fardig's first book of The Lizzie Hart Mysteries Series!
The sleepy town of Liberty hasn’t seen murder in…well… ever . Residents are stunned when the body of a young woman is found strangled, and reporters at the Liberty Chronicle are thrilled, rather disturbingly, over the biggest news story to hit town this century.
Lizzie Hart has even bigger problems. Lately, she can’t seem to concentrate on her job as copy editor at the Chronicle with the new hunky investigative reporter, Blake Morgan, swaggering around the office. How can a girl work when she’s using all of her energy combating Blake-induced hot flashes and struggling to repress the giggly inner schoolgirl that’s constantly rearing her dorky head? It’s a good thing that Blake barely knows Lizzie exists.
After an odd string of events, however, Lizzie begins to wonder if Blake is really as fabulous as she has fantasized. When Lizzie and Blake find a co-worker dead, Blake’s personality changes completely—and not in a good way. Even though the police rule the death as an accident, Lizzie immediately suspects foul play and senses a connection to the recent murder. She is determined to bring the killer to justice, but is having some trouble getting her Nancy Drew on thanks to the pesky stalker she’s picked up—Blake Morgan. Wait, didn’t she want him to follow her around and pay attention to her? Not like this. Blake has turned from cool and smooth to cold and downright scary, making Lizzie wonder if he should be next on her suspect list.
Hindered only by her raging crush on the office hunk, wannabe sleuth Lizzie Hart spies, accuses, and gossips her way to the truth in bestselling author Caroline Fardig's first book of The Lizzie Hart Mysteries Series!
The sleepy town of Liberty hasn’t seen murder in…well… ever . Residents are stunned when the body of a young woman is found strangled, and reporters at the Liberty Chronicle are thrilled, rather disturbingly, over the biggest news story to hit town this century.
Lizzie Hart has even bigger problems. Lately, she can’t seem to concentrate on her job as copy editor at the Chronicle with the new hunky investigative reporter, Blake Morgan, swaggering around the office. How can a girl work when she’s using all of her energy combating Blake-induced hot flashes and struggling to repress the giggly inner schoolgirl that’s constantly rearing her dorky head? It’s a good thing that Blake barely knows Lizzie exists.
After an odd string of events, however, Lizzie begins to wonder if Blake is really as fabulous as she has fantasized. When Lizzie and Blake find a co-worker dead, Blake’s personality changes completely—and not in a good way. Even though the police rule the death as an accident, Lizzie immediately suspects foul play and senses a connection to the recent murder. She is determined to bring the killer to justice, but is having some trouble getting her Nancy Drew on thanks to the pesky stalker she’s picked up—Blake Morgan. Wait, didn’t she want him to follow her around and pay attention to her? Not like this. Blake has turned from cool and smooth to cold and downright scary, making Lizzie wonder if he should be next on her suspect list.
263 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2013
381 people are currently reading
2154 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Fardig
28 books290 followersCAROLINE FARDIG is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the Java Jive Mysteries series and the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Fardig's BAD MEDICINE was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
April 27, 2013
Great read! It's funny, it's believable, and it's got just the right touch of romance balanced with a compelling story of betrayal, scandals, and small town gossip.
The book's heroine is a copy editor for a newspaper in a small town called Liberty. Lizzie Hart is your typical small town girl, well not exactly. She's smart, she's fun, and she's totally crushing on the new star reporter, Blake Morgan; she and everyone else in Liberty. When murder comes to her town, Lizzie takes off her copy editor hat and puts aside her crush to play detective. What sets this book apart is the believable way Lizzie goes about catching a killer. She's a bit of a bumbling fool at times, like Stephanie Plum but not quite as zany. Lizzie is exactly what you expect her to be, a real person with real fears and real needs. A few crazy things happen, think car bombs and office fires, but they happen in a believable fashion that is both funny and actually furthers the plot.
In the midst of this who dun it, readers are treated to a blossoming romance between a recovering womanizer and a woman who is learning her worth. The question of will Lizzie get her man is as compelling as will Lizzie catch her killer, and the two plot lines are masterfully intertwined.
The book's heroine is a copy editor for a newspaper in a small town called Liberty. Lizzie Hart is your typical small town girl, well not exactly. She's smart, she's fun, and she's totally crushing on the new star reporter, Blake Morgan; she and everyone else in Liberty. When murder comes to her town, Lizzie takes off her copy editor hat and puts aside her crush to play detective. What sets this book apart is the believable way Lizzie goes about catching a killer. She's a bit of a bumbling fool at times, like Stephanie Plum but not quite as zany. Lizzie is exactly what you expect her to be, a real person with real fears and real needs. A few crazy things happen, think car bombs and office fires, but they happen in a believable fashion that is both funny and actually furthers the plot.
In the midst of this who dun it, readers are treated to a blossoming romance between a recovering womanizer and a woman who is learning her worth. The question of will Lizzie get her man is as compelling as will Lizzie catch her killer, and the two plot lines are masterfully intertwined.
July 24, 2013
I was unsure of what to expect from It's Just a Little Crush by Caroline Fardig.
Would be like the classic romance novels where you can always tell the ending? Will the characters be one dimensional or cardboard cutouts? Well have no fear because it is a great first time novel!
Eliabeth Hart is a editor at a newspaper in a small town. She longs for real news but gets more than she bargains for when the first murder happens in her town. She has a strong crush on the new guy Blake. But can she trust him? Does she deserve him? Is he the murderer? A thousand possibilities and ideas swirl in this book. Lizzie has to deal with her self esteem, a boss and rival bent on dating Blake and an ex who doesn't want to leave her alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It is great that I didn't figure out the ending. It is a perfect summer read. Lizzie Hart is quite an interesting but flawed character. The ending actually made me laugh which was nice and unexpected. I give this 4 stars out of 5.
Would be like the classic romance novels where you can always tell the ending? Will the characters be one dimensional or cardboard cutouts? Well have no fear because it is a great first time novel!
Eliabeth Hart is a editor at a newspaper in a small town. She longs for real news but gets more than she bargains for when the first murder happens in her town. She has a strong crush on the new guy Blake. But can she trust him? Does she deserve him? Is he the murderer? A thousand possibilities and ideas swirl in this book. Lizzie has to deal with her self esteem, a boss and rival bent on dating Blake and an ex who doesn't want to leave her alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It is great that I didn't figure out the ending. It is a perfect summer read. Lizzie Hart is quite an interesting but flawed character. The ending actually made me laugh which was nice and unexpected. I give this 4 stars out of 5.
December 28, 2013
Office politics can be tricky to navigate on a good day, but when your new (and super attractive) co-worker just so happens to take an interest in you at the same time women around town mysteriously begin to drop dead…now that’s a whole new level of complicated! In It's Just a Little Crush: A Lizzie Hart Mystery (The Lizzie Hart Mysteries) by Caroline Fardig, copy editor Lizzie Hart finds herself in exactly this position. Not only that, when the police in her small town of Liberty refuse to believe that a friend and fellow reporter’s death is anything other than an accident, it’s up to Lizzie and star investigative reporter-slash-town hunk Blake Morgan to crack the case. But will sticking their noses where they don’t belong land Lizzie in the sights of the killer? Or will cozying up to her “tiny” office crush prove to be more than a little deadly?
The book which I would classify as a “chick-lit mystery” is a fun and easy read, with just the right amount of red-herrings thrown in to keep you on your toes all the way through. It should also be extremely relateable for any of you out there, who like myself and Lizzie, have (at some point in your life) had the misfortune of crushing way too hard on someone who’s determined to keep your relationship in limbo. One of my favorite lines takes place during a moment of utter confusion for Lizzie – on top of being the only one who is seriously looking for the deranged killer who’s on the loose, she’s also confronted with a million and one questions that her head and her heart just can’t reconcile; she goes on to ask herself,
“So, I guess the million dollar question is: Am I willing to be with Blake, but only as a friend? Can I handle standing by, watching him go through woman after woman, knowing that he has feelings for me and I for him? I don’t really think it’s fair to ask me to do that, but then again, should I take whatever piece of Blake I can get? I need to do a lot of thinking about that.”
Oof – who hasn’t been there before??
I definitely found myself feeling Lizzie’s pain more than once throughout the course of the novel. However, there were still a few things that kept me from becoming totally engrossed in the story. The biggest factor that held my suspension of disbelief at bay, is that despite fact that Fardig is a decent writer, the narration is not only from the first person perspective – but it also takes place in the present tense. This can take some of the drama and excitement out of certain moments for me, since it can come across as overly-factual; or as one reader describes it in their Amazon.com review, “like a transcript of a person dictating all actions into a tape recorder”, (and I would have to agree). Most people aren’t likely to give first-hand, present-tense accounts of what they’re looking at at all times, for example, which leaves out a lot of the description we as readers come to rely on in order for our imaginations to “fill in the blanks”. People are likely, however, to get distracted, go on tangents, and act irrationally from time to time – so you’ll definitely find some of that in the mix, which makes it a bit hard to get into until you get used to the writing style; at which point the story starts to flow a bit better.
That being said, I would say a little uncertainty at the start is typical of a debut novel when new characters and plot lines are being introduced, and I have felt similarly upon first picking up series’ that have later become some of my favorites. All in all, I would definitely still recommend It's Just a Little Crush: A Lizzie Hart Mystery (The Lizzie Hart Mysteries) to those of you out there who are looking for a fun, light, and fast-paced read that will keep you guessing until the end! I, myself, will certainly be interested to see what kind of hi-jinks Lizzie finds herself in next time.
For more reviews like this, check out Andrea Kelly at The Hand-Written Life, today!
The book which I would classify as a “chick-lit mystery” is a fun and easy read, with just the right amount of red-herrings thrown in to keep you on your toes all the way through. It should also be extremely relateable for any of you out there, who like myself and Lizzie, have (at some point in your life) had the misfortune of crushing way too hard on someone who’s determined to keep your relationship in limbo. One of my favorite lines takes place during a moment of utter confusion for Lizzie – on top of being the only one who is seriously looking for the deranged killer who’s on the loose, she’s also confronted with a million and one questions that her head and her heart just can’t reconcile; she goes on to ask herself,
“So, I guess the million dollar question is: Am I willing to be with Blake, but only as a friend? Can I handle standing by, watching him go through woman after woman, knowing that he has feelings for me and I for him? I don’t really think it’s fair to ask me to do that, but then again, should I take whatever piece of Blake I can get? I need to do a lot of thinking about that.”
Oof – who hasn’t been there before??
I definitely found myself feeling Lizzie’s pain more than once throughout the course of the novel. However, there were still a few things that kept me from becoming totally engrossed in the story. The biggest factor that held my suspension of disbelief at bay, is that despite fact that Fardig is a decent writer, the narration is not only from the first person perspective – but it also takes place in the present tense. This can take some of the drama and excitement out of certain moments for me, since it can come across as overly-factual; or as one reader describes it in their Amazon.com review, “like a transcript of a person dictating all actions into a tape recorder”, (and I would have to agree). Most people aren’t likely to give first-hand, present-tense accounts of what they’re looking at at all times, for example, which leaves out a lot of the description we as readers come to rely on in order for our imaginations to “fill in the blanks”. People are likely, however, to get distracted, go on tangents, and act irrationally from time to time – so you’ll definitely find some of that in the mix, which makes it a bit hard to get into until you get used to the writing style; at which point the story starts to flow a bit better.
That being said, I would say a little uncertainty at the start is typical of a debut novel when new characters and plot lines are being introduced, and I have felt similarly upon first picking up series’ that have later become some of my favorites. All in all, I would definitely still recommend It's Just a Little Crush: A Lizzie Hart Mystery (The Lizzie Hart Mysteries) to those of you out there who are looking for a fun, light, and fast-paced read that will keep you guessing until the end! I, myself, will certainly be interested to see what kind of hi-jinks Lizzie finds herself in next time.
For more reviews like this, check out Andrea Kelly at The Hand-Written Life, today!
July 21, 2013
Enjoyable read!
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The author drew me into the plot from the very beginning and I found myself not being able to walk away from the story. It is very well written with fantastic characters and I fell in love with it. Caroline Fardig interweaves in a very smart way an exciting blend of emotions that provide mystery, murder, romance and laughter. The heroine Lizzie is an amazing girl, full of fun and desire for life. The characters are believable and the story moves along nicely.
The author has done a great job in providing a good plot with excitement and anticipation. The chemistry between Lizzie and her beautiful boisterous man Blake is hot and I loved it.
I must say that in the mist of it all, I had to laugh out loud with Lizzie’s interaction with Blake. She is a spirited girl full of spunk.
The small town reminded me a bit of Paton Place. I chuckled reading about the infidelities and the who has done what to whom. Very funny! The end was unexpected and I hope that there will be a follow up to this book. I would definitely recommend the book as a fun and intriguing read.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The author drew me into the plot from the very beginning and I found myself not being able to walk away from the story. It is very well written with fantastic characters and I fell in love with it. Caroline Fardig interweaves in a very smart way an exciting blend of emotions that provide mystery, murder, romance and laughter. The heroine Lizzie is an amazing girl, full of fun and desire for life. The characters are believable and the story moves along nicely.
The author has done a great job in providing a good plot with excitement and anticipation. The chemistry between Lizzie and her beautiful boisterous man Blake is hot and I loved it.
I must say that in the mist of it all, I had to laugh out loud with Lizzie’s interaction with Blake. She is a spirited girl full of spunk.
The small town reminded me a bit of Paton Place. I chuckled reading about the infidelities and the who has done what to whom. Very funny! The end was unexpected and I hope that there will be a follow up to this book. I would definitely recommend the book as a fun and intriguing read.
July 2, 2014
its been a really long time since I got really excited about a new series and a new author and this one has me very impatiently waiting for the second, third, fourth, fifth, ect books to come out!
This is a very fun book too read where the main character Lizzie had me cracking up. Her one liners and interval thoughts are so much fun. This is what make you instantly like her and want to read more. And the sexual teases the author gives up but never fullfills makes the suspence even better. and I will say for a mystery romance this one did have me guessing. I truely didn't know the killer until that individual was revealed.
While reading this book with its mysteries, car bombings, sexual tensions, and all around sassiness I am reminded a little of when I first started reading the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich which I also love so if you are like me and love that series and style I don't think you will be in the least disappointed in this book.
I literally read the full book in about 4-5 hours. It was just that good!
This is a very fun book too read where the main character Lizzie had me cracking up. Her one liners and interval thoughts are so much fun. This is what make you instantly like her and want to read more. And the sexual teases the author gives up but never fullfills makes the suspence even better. and I will say for a mystery romance this one did have me guessing. I truely didn't know the killer until that individual was revealed.
While reading this book with its mysteries, car bombings, sexual tensions, and all around sassiness I am reminded a little of when I first started reading the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich which I also love so if you are like me and love that series and style I don't think you will be in the least disappointed in this book.
I literally read the full book in about 4-5 hours. It was just that good!
July 24, 2013
Let's be honest, in most mysteries it's pretty easy to guess the who in the whodunit and I admit that's always made me feel pretty smart, like I could be a detective because I can figure out the mystery in a book.
The best thing about this book was that I was wrong.
The worst thing about this book was that I was wrong. It was a little damaging to my tender ego. :)
Lizzie, the main character, has attitude and in a small town, that's always fun. Blake is fun too and their dynamic was a pleasure to read. Lizzie could be my friend. It's always good to feel like I can relate to a character. The author does a good job at developing the characters and gives them great chemistry.
This is a great book to read if you like mysteries and a little romance - it's not heavy and it reads so well it's hard to put down. I finished it in a few hours.
Did I mention I didn't guess the right who in the whodunit part? I hate when that happens!
The best thing about this book was that I was wrong.
The worst thing about this book was that I was wrong. It was a little damaging to my tender ego. :)
Lizzie, the main character, has attitude and in a small town, that's always fun. Blake is fun too and their dynamic was a pleasure to read. Lizzie could be my friend. It's always good to feel like I can relate to a character. The author does a good job at developing the characters and gives them great chemistry.
This is a great book to read if you like mysteries and a little romance - it's not heavy and it reads so well it's hard to put down. I finished it in a few hours.
Did I mention I didn't guess the right who in the whodunit part? I hate when that happens!
October 12, 2013
More than just a whodunnit, readers of this engaging mystery are treated to a delightful mix of humor, romance and murder.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the October 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 14, 2013
JOY'S REVIEW
3.5 ON THE MASQ SCALE
STORYLINE: Life goes from predictable to dangerous when a copyeditor in a Midwestern town is dropped in the middle of what turns out to be a series of murders. Along with her crush, Lizzie Hart follows clues that put her in the path of a deranged and determined killer. Along the way she finds a little romance to sweeten the deal.
PLAYERS: Lizzie Hart is smart, snarky and bored with her job of editing articles. When the reader meets her, she’s spinning her wheels and moving from day to day. The arrival of her crush, Blake Morgan, is the highpoint of her workday. By the end of the story, things turn around and she is more in command of herself in Blake’s presence.
Blake Morgan is the newest and most eligible man in town. Of course, Morgan has the attention of a fair number of ladies. At first glance, he seems self-absorbed and sure of himself, but his character develops nicely in the telling of the story.
I liked Lizzie’s voice. There were some very funny moments in the novel and the humor comes mainly from Lizzie’s thought processes and how she views the changes in her relationship with Blake.
I realize this might just be part of the writer’s current style, but I found that some of the speech tags are more a way of cluing the reader in to the speaker’s emotions and what the character is up to than anything else. Fardig uses terms like ‘I snark’, ‘I hedge’, ‘I announce’ ‘Blake says uneasily’ and ‘Blake says unconvincingly’. In the first three cases, the dialogue could have stood on its own with ‘said’ used to back it up. In the latter case, I also understood what was happening without being told how or why the speaker said what he did.
OVERALL COMMENTS: Although the storyline involves several murders, It’s Just A Little Crush is a light and entertaining read. After a while, I figured out the identity of the culprit, but it wasn’t immediately obvious. I’m still trying to figure out why Lizzie was ever with her ex, since he seems to lack a brain. A preview of the second book in the series is included and it looks like Lizzie will be solving more murder cases.
COVER NOTE: The newspaper theme works well for the story and the title is a clever play on words.
3.5 ON THE MASQ SCALE
STORYLINE: Life goes from predictable to dangerous when a copyeditor in a Midwestern town is dropped in the middle of what turns out to be a series of murders. Along with her crush, Lizzie Hart follows clues that put her in the path of a deranged and determined killer. Along the way she finds a little romance to sweeten the deal.
PLAYERS: Lizzie Hart is smart, snarky and bored with her job of editing articles. When the reader meets her, she’s spinning her wheels and moving from day to day. The arrival of her crush, Blake Morgan, is the highpoint of her workday. By the end of the story, things turn around and she is more in command of herself in Blake’s presence.
Blake Morgan is the newest and most eligible man in town. Of course, Morgan has the attention of a fair number of ladies. At first glance, he seems self-absorbed and sure of himself, but his character develops nicely in the telling of the story.
I liked Lizzie’s voice. There were some very funny moments in the novel and the humor comes mainly from Lizzie’s thought processes and how she views the changes in her relationship with Blake.
I realize this might just be part of the writer’s current style, but I found that some of the speech tags are more a way of cluing the reader in to the speaker’s emotions and what the character is up to than anything else. Fardig uses terms like ‘I snark’, ‘I hedge’, ‘I announce’ ‘Blake says uneasily’ and ‘Blake says unconvincingly’. In the first three cases, the dialogue could have stood on its own with ‘said’ used to back it up. In the latter case, I also understood what was happening without being told how or why the speaker said what he did.
OVERALL COMMENTS: Although the storyline involves several murders, It’s Just A Little Crush is a light and entertaining read. After a while, I figured out the identity of the culprit, but it wasn’t immediately obvious. I’m still trying to figure out why Lizzie was ever with her ex, since he seems to lack a brain. A preview of the second book in the series is included and it looks like Lizzie will be solving more murder cases.
COVER NOTE: The newspaper theme works well for the story and the title is a clever play on words.
November 26, 2013
Hart To Hart... or Morgan?
5 Old fashioned typewriters
Hotness factor: Somewhere between Michael Buble and Marvin Gaye...
You just gotta love a writer who knows the classics. I grew up on all the 80’s mystery TV shows. They were off the air by the time I was old enough to watch them but it had never stopped the French. Should I even mention Murder she wrote? I’m sure some of you caught on it A&E once or 100 times, don’t worry ITV3 in London caught the fever too. I even saw the pilot, how many people actually watched the first ever Murder She Wrote? I might be wrong but I think Caroline Fardig did. But my all-time favorite was Remington Steele, it’s the perfect show.
The reason I am mentioning those very 80’s but very awesome series it’s because Lizzie Hart and Blake Morgan (best possible P.I. name EVER) in some way or another remind me of them. Elizabeth Hart, started the book as Lizzie a 26 years old girl with a high school crush on her co-worker and captain of the football team Blake Morgan (best possible rock star name EVER). As the book is written in first person narrative, you get to experience Lizzie, becoming Elizabeth and Blake Morgan (best possible villain name EVER) becoming more than just the handsome man who make you lose your train of thoughts through her eyes. When the quiet small town of Liberty gets not one but two strange deaths in less than a week, the new duo decides to investigate. Lizzie by snooping around, Blake Morgan (best possible serial killer name EVER) by discreetly following her around. Can you hear the theme music? I can.
The thing about mystery novels is that you always want to guess who did it. While I was reading the book, I changed my mind more than a couple of times. Caroline did an amazing job toying with us with all the possibilities, lots of craziness in Liberty. But I won’t spoil the ending for you. Lizzie Hart will make you laugh, Blake Morgan (best possible rogue name EVER) will make you sigh and the rest of the town, well you should just see it for yourself. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for the second installment.
5 Old fashioned typewriters
Hotness factor: Somewhere between Michael Buble and Marvin Gaye...
You just gotta love a writer who knows the classics. I grew up on all the 80’s mystery TV shows. They were off the air by the time I was old enough to watch them but it had never stopped the French. Should I even mention Murder she wrote? I’m sure some of you caught on it A&E once or 100 times, don’t worry ITV3 in London caught the fever too. I even saw the pilot, how many people actually watched the first ever Murder She Wrote? I might be wrong but I think Caroline Fardig did. But my all-time favorite was Remington Steele, it’s the perfect show.
The reason I am mentioning those very 80’s but very awesome series it’s because Lizzie Hart and Blake Morgan (best possible P.I. name EVER) in some way or another remind me of them. Elizabeth Hart, started the book as Lizzie a 26 years old girl with a high school crush on her co-worker and captain of the football team Blake Morgan (best possible rock star name EVER). As the book is written in first person narrative, you get to experience Lizzie, becoming Elizabeth and Blake Morgan (best possible villain name EVER) becoming more than just the handsome man who make you lose your train of thoughts through her eyes. When the quiet small town of Liberty gets not one but two strange deaths in less than a week, the new duo decides to investigate. Lizzie by snooping around, Blake Morgan (best possible serial killer name EVER) by discreetly following her around. Can you hear the theme music? I can.
The thing about mystery novels is that you always want to guess who did it. While I was reading the book, I changed my mind more than a couple of times. Caroline did an amazing job toying with us with all the possibilities, lots of craziness in Liberty. But I won’t spoil the ending for you. Lizzie Hart will make you laugh, Blake Morgan (best possible rogue name EVER) will make you sigh and the rest of the town, well you should just see it for yourself. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for the second installment.
September 13, 2013
It's Just a Little Crush by Caroline Fardig is a "Lizzie Hart Mystery". This book was released in January 2013. This is a Sarka Jonae publication. This book is 270 pages in length.
The small town of Liberty is hardly a crime mecca. But, when a young woman is murdered, it turns out the town is full of secrets and sins.
Lizzie Hart works for the town newspaper as a copy editor. She has a HUGE crush on Blake Morgan, a reporter for the paper.
When the paper begins reporting on the murder, Lizzie is determined to find out as much as the hotshot reporter she has a crush on. But, the unexpected takes place when another death occurs and Lizzie begins to suspect Blake.
Her sleuthing has gotten under someone's skin, but the question is, whose?
Lizzie Hart is a regular girl, with a regular job. She seems to have some committment issues when it comes to men. Her attraction to Blake is purely physcial in the beginning. But, then she can't decide what his game is. Is he a murderer, a womanizer, a friend, or something more?
This mystery/romance was pure entertainment. I love Lizzie. She was like someone you might know in real life. The goings on in a small town didn't seem overly contrived. Who knows what goes on behind closed doors?
The mystery was solid. There was no graphic violence or indepth forensics that might bother some people. The tone was light and laced with wit and humor. There was no explicit sexual content, mostly just innuendo.
I think this book would appeal to mystery lovers, romance lovers, and maybe even those that like cozies, and chick lit.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. This one really shows promise. Well done! This one gets a solid A.
The small town of Liberty is hardly a crime mecca. But, when a young woman is murdered, it turns out the town is full of secrets and sins.
Lizzie Hart works for the town newspaper as a copy editor. She has a HUGE crush on Blake Morgan, a reporter for the paper.
When the paper begins reporting on the murder, Lizzie is determined to find out as much as the hotshot reporter she has a crush on. But, the unexpected takes place when another death occurs and Lizzie begins to suspect Blake.
Her sleuthing has gotten under someone's skin, but the question is, whose?
Lizzie Hart is a regular girl, with a regular job. She seems to have some committment issues when it comes to men. Her attraction to Blake is purely physcial in the beginning. But, then she can't decide what his game is. Is he a murderer, a womanizer, a friend, or something more?
This mystery/romance was pure entertainment. I love Lizzie. She was like someone you might know in real life. The goings on in a small town didn't seem overly contrived. Who knows what goes on behind closed doors?
The mystery was solid. There was no graphic violence or indepth forensics that might bother some people. The tone was light and laced with wit and humor. There was no explicit sexual content, mostly just innuendo.
I think this book would appeal to mystery lovers, romance lovers, and maybe even those that like cozies, and chick lit.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. This one really shows promise. Well done! This one gets a solid A.
August 17, 2013
This book truly is LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY! You will love the real, in-depth characters! Lizzie is a fantastic heroine! I kept reading snippets of the book to my husband, because I think everyone should enjoy her wit. I read him enough pieces that he now wants to read it too! This book truly does have a bit of everything - love, mystery, romance, and danger!
I enjoyed Lizzie so much and found myself wanting to talk to her for real! She is just so much fun and her sarcastic (sometimes snarky) wit had me cracking up. I love that we really get to know Blake as well.
When I first read about Blake, I was thinking he was going to be a typical shallow, arrogant man. Boy was I wrong! He seemed so out of reach and I love discovering the real man with Lizzie. I can’t WAIT for the next book!! You better believe I will be on it as soon as I get more info on it!
Something I wasn’t sure about was whether the mystery in the book would be good. You never know with a new author, but I have to tell you it was astonishing! I didn’t see that ending coming AT ALL! I LOVE IT when a book surprises me because it doesn’t happen all that often anymore. Rocks are thrown through windows, people are dying, bombs are going off, and in between it all you have this fantastic, witty dialogue! This book was also a dream to read. The writing is very smooth and I really didn’t want it to end. Granted I wanted them to find and catch the killer, but we were having such fun along the way!
This is definitely a book I can see myself picking up and rereading every once in a while when I want some serious funny!
I enjoyed Lizzie so much and found myself wanting to talk to her for real! She is just so much fun and her sarcastic (sometimes snarky) wit had me cracking up. I love that we really get to know Blake as well.
When I first read about Blake, I was thinking he was going to be a typical shallow, arrogant man. Boy was I wrong! He seemed so out of reach and I love discovering the real man with Lizzie. I can’t WAIT for the next book!! You better believe I will be on it as soon as I get more info on it!
Something I wasn’t sure about was whether the mystery in the book would be good. You never know with a new author, but I have to tell you it was astonishing! I didn’t see that ending coming AT ALL! I LOVE IT when a book surprises me because it doesn’t happen all that often anymore. Rocks are thrown through windows, people are dying, bombs are going off, and in between it all you have this fantastic, witty dialogue! This book was also a dream to read. The writing is very smooth and I really didn’t want it to end. Granted I wanted them to find and catch the killer, but we were having such fun along the way!
This is definitely a book I can see myself picking up and rereading every once in a while when I want some serious funny!
November 11, 2017
‘It’s Just a Little Crush’ is an absolute joy to read. Caroline Fardig’s first novel is narrated by Lizzie Hart: 26-years old, reluctant cat owner and Copy Editor extraordinaire at the local paper in the small, Midwestern town of Liberty. Lizzie works alongside the paper’s small team of journalists, including her long-time best friend, the local introverted geek and her bitchy office nemesis. When she is not busy checking on their grammar, Lizzie is preoccupied with checking out new boy, Blake Morgan – tall, dark, handsome and recently arrived in town from Chicago. When murder and violence strike the small town, Lizzie is drawn into an investigation, but will she find that the culprit is closer than she could ever have imagined?
I really enjoyed reading ‘It’s Just a Little Crush’. It is very well written, sassy, funny and exciting, with a smart, well-developed plot, a devious crop of sneaky suspects and some heart-fluttering romantic clinches. It very much reminded me of two of my favourite pieces of fiction: it gives a very good idea of what the TV series ‘Murder, She Wrote’ would have been like if Bridget Jones had taken the lead! Caroline Fardig’s story is intriguing and keeps you turning the pages, and the gossipy workings of small town life are exposed to the full, as ever giving the amateur sleuth the edge over the more official investigators. This is a brilliant start to the book series and I am very much looking forward to reading the next one! Reviewed by Julia for Readers' Favorite
I really enjoyed reading ‘It’s Just a Little Crush’. It is very well written, sassy, funny and exciting, with a smart, well-developed plot, a devious crop of sneaky suspects and some heart-fluttering romantic clinches. It very much reminded me of two of my favourite pieces of fiction: it gives a very good idea of what the TV series ‘Murder, She Wrote’ would have been like if Bridget Jones had taken the lead! Caroline Fardig’s story is intriguing and keeps you turning the pages, and the gossipy workings of small town life are exposed to the full, as ever giving the amateur sleuth the edge over the more official investigators. This is a brilliant start to the book series and I am very much looking forward to reading the next one! Reviewed by Julia for Readers' Favorite
November 2, 2017
I did my best to read this book. Paragraph after paragraph of how her crush gets her into a tizzy and she becomes a klutz, butterflies and nerves just anticipating him walking into the room, so much so that she became nauseous. I'm sure there will be a mystery in here somewhere.Here's the first paragraph.
(It’s time. 9:07 AM. Against my better judgment, I allow myself to steal a quick glance at the door. The sight of a shadow hovering outside throws my stomach into a spasm, clenching, twisting, and tossing my breakfast mercilessly, the wave of nausea leaving me a little light-headed. My heart is banging against my rib cage so hard it may just crack a rib. I should breathe. In, out, in, out. Great, that didn’t help. Now I think I may be hyperventilating. Maybe I should hold my breath. Ooh, now I’m dizzy. I nervously wipe a shaking hand across my forehead, and it comes back soaked with sweat. Gross. As the doorknob turns, a shot of pure adrenaline courses through my veins, causing random body parts to twitch and quiver uncontrollably. In short, I am a hot mess.)
For a 26 year old women to be constantly acting like a six year old with her first crush, pining away and not able to focus on her work??? Just one example of the characters mentality. (As Julia, Hank, and I burst out laughing, Paul Jackson, our legals and obits writer, (AKA “Paul the Picker”—don’t ask) rushes over to hover around Hannah.)
This is not a story I can continue.
(It’s time. 9:07 AM. Against my better judgment, I allow myself to steal a quick glance at the door. The sight of a shadow hovering outside throws my stomach into a spasm, clenching, twisting, and tossing my breakfast mercilessly, the wave of nausea leaving me a little light-headed. My heart is banging against my rib cage so hard it may just crack a rib. I should breathe. In, out, in, out. Great, that didn’t help. Now I think I may be hyperventilating. Maybe I should hold my breath. Ooh, now I’m dizzy. I nervously wipe a shaking hand across my forehead, and it comes back soaked with sweat. Gross. As the doorknob turns, a shot of pure adrenaline courses through my veins, causing random body parts to twitch and quiver uncontrollably. In short, I am a hot mess.)
For a 26 year old women to be constantly acting like a six year old with her first crush, pining away and not able to focus on her work??? Just one example of the characters mentality. (As Julia, Hank, and I burst out laughing, Paul Jackson, our legals and obits writer, (AKA “Paul the Picker”—don’t ask) rushes over to hover around Hannah.)
This is not a story I can continue.
August 20, 2016
My apologies if this book is aimed at 14 year old girls. That seems to be its audience.
To say the book is weak and poorly written is being kind. The author has apparently never heard of "show don't tell"; has faintly drawn characters, if you can even call them that: The hunk, the Cordelia bitch, the smart friend. These people are mean spirited and confuse teenage teasing with humor. The narrator is a copy editor and uses bad grammar in the narration!
Writing like this shows a lack of respect for the reader. I can make connections. You don't have to describe an an action and then tell me the conclusions I should draw from it. Or tell a joke and then explain why I should find it funny.
The author can plot and that is a serious writing skill. But a book needs more. Competent writing. If this is a young adult book, that is no excuse for the writing. There are many competently written young adult books. There are many finely written young adult books. This is not one of them.
It is not the genre. Marion Keyes writes delightful chick-lit books. Georgette Heyer wrote well-wrought romances. Louise Penny writes fantastic cozy mysteries. Colleen Holmes is writing a light, easy to read series joining the chick-lit, fantasy, and cozy mystery genres.
To say the book is weak and poorly written is being kind. The author has apparently never heard of "show don't tell"; has faintly drawn characters, if you can even call them that: The hunk, the Cordelia bitch, the smart friend. These people are mean spirited and confuse teenage teasing with humor. The narrator is a copy editor and uses bad grammar in the narration!
Writing like this shows a lack of respect for the reader. I can make connections. You don't have to describe an an action and then tell me the conclusions I should draw from it. Or tell a joke and then explain why I should find it funny.
The author can plot and that is a serious writing skill. But a book needs more. Competent writing. If this is a young adult book, that is no excuse for the writing. There are many competently written young adult books. There are many finely written young adult books. This is not one of them.
It is not the genre. Marion Keyes writes delightful chick-lit books. Georgette Heyer wrote well-wrought romances. Louise Penny writes fantastic cozy mysteries. Colleen Holmes is writing a light, easy to read series joining the chick-lit, fantasy, and cozy mystery genres.
October 10, 2014
Enjoyable read!
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The author drew me into the plot from the very beginning and I found myself not being able to walk away from the story. It is very well written with fantastic characters and I fell in love with it. Caroline Fardig interweaves in a very smart way an exciting blend of emotions that provide mystery, murder, romance and laughter. The heroine Lizzie is an amazing girl, full of fun and desire for life. The characters are believable and the story moves along nicely.
The author has done a great job in providing a good plot with excitement and anticipation. The chemistry between Lizzie and her beautiful boisterous man Blake is hot and I loved it.
I must say that in the mist of it all, I had to laugh out loud with Lizzie's interaction with Blake. She is a spirited girl full of spunk.
The small town reminded me a bit of Paton Place. I chuckled reading about the infidelities and the who has done what to whom. Very funny! The end was unexpected and I hope that there will be a follow up to this book. I would definitely recommend the book as a fun and intriguing read.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The author drew me into the plot from the very beginning and I found myself not being able to walk away from the story. It is very well written with fantastic characters and I fell in love with it. Caroline Fardig interweaves in a very smart way an exciting blend of emotions that provide mystery, murder, romance and laughter. The heroine Lizzie is an amazing girl, full of fun and desire for life. The characters are believable and the story moves along nicely.
The author has done a great job in providing a good plot with excitement and anticipation. The chemistry between Lizzie and her beautiful boisterous man Blake is hot and I loved it.
I must say that in the mist of it all, I had to laugh out loud with Lizzie's interaction with Blake. She is a spirited girl full of spunk.
The small town reminded me a bit of Paton Place. I chuckled reading about the infidelities and the who has done what to whom. Very funny! The end was unexpected and I hope that there will be a follow up to this book. I would definitely recommend the book as a fun and intriguing read.
July 20, 2013
This book manages to balance mystery, murder and romance in a perfectly delightful way. The heroine is quirky, witty and brings a wonderful flair of humor in the mist of murder. She is a fairly strong character and relatively self assured.
Lizzie and Blake's relationship is artfully blended with fun and passion. Some of the conversations back and forth brings you laughter and makes you happy. I truly hope that there is another book coming soon because I did find myself wanting a lot more when I finally got to the last page.
Lizzie and Blake are two totally different people that fall in love and let just enough romance change them in a way that they fit with each other. Their warmth and humor is what makes the plot desirable, intriguing and enjoyable.
Caroline Fardig has done an amazing job with this book.
Need a wonderful read with incredible characters and a believable story? Then you need to pick up a copy of this book.
Lizzie and Blake's relationship is artfully blended with fun and passion. Some of the conversations back and forth brings you laughter and makes you happy. I truly hope that there is another book coming soon because I did find myself wanting a lot more when I finally got to the last page.
Lizzie and Blake are two totally different people that fall in love and let just enough romance change them in a way that they fit with each other. Their warmth and humor is what makes the plot desirable, intriguing and enjoyable.
Caroline Fardig has done an amazing job with this book.
Need a wonderful read with incredible characters and a believable story? Then you need to pick up a copy of this book.
July 14, 2015
A good mystery that kept me guessing!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I had a feeling it was a stalker story that turned ugly. Boy was I wrong. It was an interesting murder story (multiple murders/attempts) that Lizzie decided she had to solve to get justice for the dead. Her stalker, Blake, turned out to be a good 'friend' as well as accomplice in crime solving. Lizzie is an enjoyable character who would be a wonderful friend. I liked this first book of the Lizzie Hart Mystery series so much, I immediately started reading book 2, That Old Black Magic. I recommend this book for anyone who likes murder, mysteries, as well as funny and sometimes bumbling heroines.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. I had a feeling it was a stalker story that turned ugly. Boy was I wrong. It was an interesting murder story (multiple murders/attempts) that Lizzie decided she had to solve to get justice for the dead. Her stalker, Blake, turned out to be a good 'friend' as well as accomplice in crime solving. Lizzie is an enjoyable character who would be a wonderful friend. I liked this first book of the Lizzie Hart Mystery series so much, I immediately started reading book 2, That Old Black Magic. I recommend this book for anyone who likes murder, mysteries, as well as funny and sometimes bumbling heroines.
September 2, 2013
Not only was this book funny but it was suspenseful. Like every other chapter i was blaming somebody for the murders. The book was that good!
Lizzie was hilarious. A little bit ditsy. A whole lotta fun. A funny Nancy Drew. Of course growing up in a small town and working at the local newspaper. Secretly crushing on "the It boy". Kinda stalkerish.
Blake, that guy was sooo, off? I just could not believe all his theories. But at the same time he did always have alibis. He was really sweet. Great reporter. Well between Lizzie and him, great investigators.
Like i said i had my suspicions throughout the book bit that one was pretty off the wall and i was in a state of "ohhh shitt"!
Lizzie was hilarious. A little bit ditsy. A whole lotta fun. A funny Nancy Drew. Of course growing up in a small town and working at the local newspaper. Secretly crushing on "the It boy". Kinda stalkerish.
Blake, that guy was sooo, off? I just could not believe all his theories. But at the same time he did always have alibis. He was really sweet. Great reporter. Well between Lizzie and him, great investigators.
Like i said i had my suspicions throughout the book bit that one was pretty off the wall and i was in a state of "ohhh shitt"!
September 2, 2013
I love Lizzie Hart!!!
We all have had moments where we believes we were Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys. Don't lie to yourself, everyone tried to play sleuth at some point :) Lizzie does it! Lizzie is the proofreader copy editor for the local paper in her sleepy Midwest town. Nothing happens there. I mean N-O-T-H-I-N-G. And then all of a sudden it does.
After a murder and "accidental" death take place, Lizzie and writer Blake (yum) go all "Nancy Drew" to figure out what the hell is going on.
This story kept me completely captivated. The characters are relatable and relaxed. I cannot wait for more!!
We all have had moments where we believes we were Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys. Don't lie to yourself, everyone tried to play sleuth at some point :) Lizzie does it! Lizzie is the proofreader copy editor for the local paper in her sleepy Midwest town. Nothing happens there. I mean N-O-T-H-I-N-G. And then all of a sudden it does.
After a murder and "accidental" death take place, Lizzie and writer Blake (yum) go all "Nancy Drew" to figure out what the hell is going on.
This story kept me completely captivated. The characters are relatable and relaxed. I cannot wait for more!!
July 15, 2015
What could be better than small town gossip, a budding romance, with a couple of murders thrown in? That’s what you get (and much more) in It’s Just a Little Crush. Once I got started, I couldn’t put this book down. It’s an easy read, and gradually leads you into the story to the point of feeling you are there. Once you reach that point, it’s a real page turner. The characters are well developed and while you may think you know what’s going to happen next, you will often be wrong. I once lived in a small town and Fardig nailed the atmosphere – everyone minds everyone else’s business and all too often they meddle way too much. I can’t wait to read the book 2 of the series.
September 25, 2015
Captivated from the start
I always enjoy a good mystery and this one left me guessing until the end. Lizzie is crushing hard on coworker Blake, who is an investigative reporter for the same newspaper where she is employed as a copy editor. When a murder takes place, bets are made on who can dig up more clues, Blake or Lizzie. When a friend and coworker turns up dead, all bets are off as Lizzie decides it's up to her to uncover the truth.
Lizzie's crush on Blake adds humor throughout the story. I was kept guessing until the end and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I always enjoy a good mystery and this one left me guessing until the end. Lizzie is crushing hard on coworker Blake, who is an investigative reporter for the same newspaper where she is employed as a copy editor. When a murder takes place, bets are made on who can dig up more clues, Blake or Lizzie. When a friend and coworker turns up dead, all bets are off as Lizzie decides it's up to her to uncover the truth.
Lizzie's crush on Blake adds humor throughout the story. I was kept guessing until the end and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 24, 2013
A fun book. If you are looking for a light-hearted mystery-romance, grab your popcorn and start reading. Ms Fardig created a charming, witty heroine and teamed her up with the required rich and handsome hero to solve a spate of murders in a sleepy town. Friends, anti-heroes and adversaries complete the ensemble, and hilarity ensues. I really appreciated that the book is well written, and well edited, something often lacking in indie books. Well done for a first effort, and I am looking forward to the next installment.
July 26, 2013
This is a great book and well written. This book has it all murder, mystery, and romance a perfect combination. I loved the main characters Lizzie and Blake. Lizzie is so funny and speaks before she thinks so her personality is great. I love how Blake picks on Lizzie and how their different personalities mix is great. It just makes for a great read. I was surprised and happy with the ending. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
October 8, 2015
Fun and humorous mystery!
I love Lizzie and Blake! They're fun and quirky and will keep you guessing as they try to solve two murders in the small town of Liberty. Lizzie is determined to keep putting herself in danger to solve a mystery that hits close to home and Blake is trying to keep him from meddling or at least keep her safe while she snoops. During all this these two characters a fighting their attraction to each other. This book has action, romance, and lots of humor which makes it an overall fun and e,citing story.
I love Lizzie and Blake! They're fun and quirky and will keep you guessing as they try to solve two murders in the small town of Liberty. Lizzie is determined to keep putting herself in danger to solve a mystery that hits close to home and Blake is trying to keep him from meddling or at least keep her safe while she snoops. During all this these two characters a fighting their attraction to each other. This book has action, romance, and lots of humor which makes it an overall fun and e,citing story.
October 8, 2013
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this book was really cute. Lizzie, is a copy editor at a small newspaper in a ho-hum town. Besides the crush she has on Blake, there's not much going on. Until a murder happens, and then another a few days later. Then the determined and quick witted Lizzie, and the sexy reporter Blake decide to find out for themselves what's really going on. It's a murder mystery spashed with humor and sexual.tension. A fun read.
I thought this book was really cute. Lizzie, is a copy editor at a small newspaper in a ho-hum town. Besides the crush she has on Blake, there's not much going on. Until a murder happens, and then another a few days later. Then the determined and quick witted Lizzie, and the sexy reporter Blake decide to find out for themselves what's really going on. It's a murder mystery spashed with humor and sexual.tension. A fun read.
May 15, 2013
I pulled this book off Amazon for a quick fun read. The book was fun, but much too predictable. A few scenes felt overkill, which killed the believability factor – but it was an enjoyable read.
July 2, 2013
Really enjoyed this wonderful little small town book. It is just the right mix of mystery, romance and sassiness. I couldn't wait to get back to it each time I had to put it down. I can't wait for the next book in the Lizzie Hart series.
May 5, 2013
After I got started, I couldn't stop. Unpredictable and fun!
April 5, 2013
I think that its a good book...!!!!
September 5, 2013
Thank you Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book. It has murders in a quiet town that the Copy editor of the local newspaper and the investigative report try to solve.
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