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Lillian Byrd Crime Story #3
Lucky Stiff
ASIN B0058KBVZA moved to the most recent edition
Once again Lillian Byrd is down on her luck, strumming her mandolin for spare quarters alongside Blind Lonnie, Detroit's resident blues guitarist. But a chance encounter with her childhood friend Duane is about to completely turn her life upside-down. One summer night when Lillian was twelve, flames ripped through the Polka Dot, her parents' beloved tavern. Three bodies were found in the ashes: those of her mother, her father, and the barmaid, Trix Hawley. Or so Lillian has always thought. But when Lillian and Duane put their stories together, the past erupts into a wild enigma.As the two friends travel-accompanied by the tenacious crime writer Minerva LeBlanc-to the underbelly of Las Vegas to find the truth about their parents, Lillian must face the demons of the past in ways she never dreamed possible. With Lucky Stiff, the author of the best-selling Lillian Byrd Crime Series has crafted yet another white-knuckle thriller."Whatever you do, mystery readers, do not bypass this compelling series."-Lambda Book Report
Once again Lillian Byrd is down on her luck, strumming her mandolin for spare quarters alongside Blind Lonnie, Detroit's resident blues guitarist. But a chance encounter with her childhood friend Duane is about to completely turn her life upside-down. One summer night when Lillian was twelve, flames ripped through the Polka Dot, her parents' beloved tavern. Three bodies were found in the ashes: those of her mother, her father, and the barmaid, Trix Hawley. Or so Lillian has always thought. But when Lillian and Duane put their stories together, the past erupts into a wild enigma.As the two friends travel-accompanied by the tenacious crime writer Minerva LeBlanc-to the underbelly of Las Vegas to find the truth about their parents, Lillian must face the demons of the past in ways she never dreamed possible. With Lucky Stiff, the author of the best-selling Lillian Byrd Crime Series has crafted yet another white-knuckle thriller."Whatever you do, mystery readers, do not bypass this compelling series."-Lambda Book Report
256 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2004
43 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Sims
28 books112 followersElizabeth Sims is an American author and writing authority. Her novels include the Lambda Award-winning Lillian Byrd crime series and the Rita Farmer mystery series, and she writes frequently for Writer's Digest magazine, where she is a Contributing Editor.
Booklist calls her work "crime fiction as smart as it is compelling," and Crimespree magazine praises her "strong voice and wonderful characters."
Are you a writer too—or would you like to be one? If so, you might find inspiration in Elizabeth's book You've Got a Book in You: A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book of Your Dreams, published by Writer's Digest Books.
Elizabeth earned degrees in English from Michigan State University and Wayne State University, where she won the Tompkins Award for graduate fiction. She has worked as a reporter, editor, photographer, technical writer, bookseller, street busker, ranch hand, corporate executive, and symphonic percussionist. Elizabeth belongs to several literary societies as well as American Mensa.
To learn more about her and to view a full list of her available works, including free excerpts and book discussion guides, visit www.elizabethsims.com
There you can get in touch and / or join her newsgroup.
Booklist calls her work "crime fiction as smart as it is compelling," and Crimespree magazine praises her "strong voice and wonderful characters."
Are you a writer too—or would you like to be one? If so, you might find inspiration in Elizabeth's book You've Got a Book in You: A Stress-Free Guide to Writing the Book of Your Dreams, published by Writer's Digest Books.
Elizabeth earned degrees in English from Michigan State University and Wayne State University, where she won the Tompkins Award for graduate fiction. She has worked as a reporter, editor, photographer, technical writer, bookseller, street busker, ranch hand, corporate executive, and symphonic percussionist. Elizabeth belongs to several literary societies as well as American Mensa.
To learn more about her and to view a full list of her available works, including free excerpts and book discussion guides, visit www.elizabethsims.com
There you can get in touch and / or join her newsgroup.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 30, 2018
With Lucky Stiff (Lillian Byrd Crime Story #3) author Elizabeth Sims is continuing all the goodness that is Lillian Byrd. The skinny, sneaker wearing dweeb and her trusty companion, rabbit Todd, have a special place in my heart by now.
As usual the situations Lillian finds herself in are both hair raising and hilarious, the characters are superb and the dialogue is to die for. I have bought the remaining books in the series before I started this one because I know without a doubt I will not be let down.
I was so happy to see the return of Minerva LeBlanc. What happened to her in Holy Hell was shocking and heartbreaking and she was such a great character. So, happy dance all around.
This series won both Lambda and GCLS Goldie Awards and it’s totally deserved. I highly recommend!
f/f
Themes: Detroit, busking, Minerva is back, we get Lillian’s back story, the underbelly of Las Vegas.
5 stars
As usual the situations Lillian finds herself in are both hair raising and hilarious, the characters are superb and the dialogue is to die for. I have bought the remaining books in the series before I started this one because I know without a doubt I will not be let down.
I was so happy to see the return of Minerva LeBlanc. What happened to her in Holy Hell was shocking and heartbreaking and she was such a great character. So, happy dance all around.
This series won both Lambda and GCLS Goldie Awards and it’s totally deserved. I highly recommend!
f/f
Themes: Detroit, busking, Minerva is back, we get Lillian’s back story, the underbelly of Las Vegas.
5 stars
August 27, 2017
“Lucky Stiff” is the third of five books featuring Lillian Byrd, the often hilarious, usually unlucky in love and fortune, part-time writer and part-time detective.
Lillian, her one-time childhood friend Duane, and her famous crime-fighting successful novelist friend and one-time lover Minerva LeBlanc work to solve mysteries that were until now, not known to be mysteries. How and why did Lillian’s parents die? Where is Duane’s mother? Did barmaid Trix really die along with Lillian’s parents? Where is Duane’s father now? Why haven’t Lillian’s uncle and aunt ever wanted to talk about the bar fire and deaths?
There are plenty of hilarious moments, and Todd the rabbit is still alive and hopping, but book three definitely focuses on the twists and turns of the decades old mysteries, and the wacky characters who were involved.
As a mystery, this book is excellent! As a comedic caper featuring the inner dialogues of Lillian and her often crazy antics, doing things she tells herself not to do…it’s less wacky than books one and two, but still fun. As a romantic lesfic, it’s similar to books one and two…the focus is not on romance despite Lillian’s yearnings. As an erotic story….sorry, still fade-to-black during fun moments for the characters!
The narrator continues to do an outstanding job, and I definitely recommend the audiobook! But, while books one and two were read and listen for free with KU, and books four and five are still only $1.99 add-ons to KU, for some reason book three has no add-on price, and it’ll cost a full credit to buy it. I waited months to see if that would change, it didn’t, I bought it and now it’ll probably change soon for you!! 4.25* for “Lucky Stiff” - very enjoyable and easily recommended!
Lillian, her one-time childhood friend Duane, and her famous crime-fighting successful novelist friend and one-time lover Minerva LeBlanc work to solve mysteries that were until now, not known to be mysteries. How and why did Lillian’s parents die? Where is Duane’s mother? Did barmaid Trix really die along with Lillian’s parents? Where is Duane’s father now? Why haven’t Lillian’s uncle and aunt ever wanted to talk about the bar fire and deaths?
There are plenty of hilarious moments, and Todd the rabbit is still alive and hopping, but book three definitely focuses on the twists and turns of the decades old mysteries, and the wacky characters who were involved.
As a mystery, this book is excellent! As a comedic caper featuring the inner dialogues of Lillian and her often crazy antics, doing things she tells herself not to do…it’s less wacky than books one and two, but still fun. As a romantic lesfic, it’s similar to books one and two…the focus is not on romance despite Lillian’s yearnings. As an erotic story….sorry, still fade-to-black during fun moments for the characters!
The narrator continues to do an outstanding job, and I definitely recommend the audiobook! But, while books one and two were read and listen for free with KU, and books four and five are still only $1.99 add-ons to KU, for some reason book three has no add-on price, and it’ll cost a full credit to buy it. I waited months to see if that would change, it didn’t, I bought it and now it’ll probably change soon for you!! 4.25* for “Lucky Stiff” - very enjoyable and easily recommended!
November 11, 2018
Oh how I love this series.
I listened to this one out of sequence, which I thought might undermine the pleasure, but it turns out that knowing some of what might happen didn’t really take away from it at all.
Lillian Byrd (and indeed all of the characters that appear in each novel) turn up on the page fully formed and ready for action. They are charming and believable and I wish they were real!
More than anything though, the author brings out wry observations of life and some great humor to make this series sing. And the narrator brings it all brilliantly to life.
I’ve already listened to some of these a second time, with as much enjoyment as the first time. And I know I’ll do it again.
I listened to this one out of sequence, which I thought might undermine the pleasure, but it turns out that knowing some of what might happen didn’t really take away from it at all.
Lillian Byrd (and indeed all of the characters that appear in each novel) turn up on the page fully formed and ready for action. They are charming and believable and I wish they were real!
More than anything though, the author brings out wry observations of life and some great humor to make this series sing. And the narrator brings it all brilliantly to life.
I’ve already listened to some of these a second time, with as much enjoyment as the first time. And I know I’ll do it again.
December 16, 2024
A chance encounter with a childhood friend proves far more informative than Lillian Byrd could have expected.
When Lillian was twelve fire ripped through her parent's bar, The Polka Dot. Her mother, father, and waitress Trix Hawley died, Lilian was brought out alive.
The last time Lillian saw Duane Sechrist was earlier that same day.
His story involves the disappearance of his mother and how his father re-married soon after. When he describes his stepmother Lynette, and her verbal peculiarities, Lillian recognises her as none other than Trix.
Lillian is determined to find out what happened that night and asks her wealthy true crime writer friend (and one time lover) Minerva Jones to help.
“Lucky Stiff” is a good read but, just like “Damn Straight”, the the mystery (and solution) are subpar.
3 Stars.
When Lillian was twelve fire ripped through her parent's bar, The Polka Dot. Her mother, father, and waitress Trix Hawley died, Lilian was brought out alive.
The last time Lillian saw Duane Sechrist was earlier that same day.
His story involves the disappearance of his mother and how his father re-married soon after. When he describes his stepmother Lynette, and her verbal peculiarities, Lillian recognises her as none other than Trix.
Lillian is determined to find out what happened that night and asks her wealthy true crime writer friend (and one time lover) Minerva Jones to help.
“Lucky Stiff” is a good read but, just like “Damn Straight”, the the mystery (and solution) are subpar.
3 Stars.
July 13, 2021
Well balanced
Another enjoyable read from Elizabeth Sims; Lucky Stiff has the perfect balance of humor, tenderness, pathos and suspense. Sometimes I forget my own advice and read her books in bed, usually as I’m getting to the most suspenseful part. Not a good idea, but Lillian Byrd has become one of my favorite friends. Sims’ character development allows me to become attached to her cast members, or not.
I look forward to spending more time with Lillian and her friends.
Another enjoyable read from Elizabeth Sims; Lucky Stiff has the perfect balance of humor, tenderness, pathos and suspense. Sometimes I forget my own advice and read her books in bed, usually as I’m getting to the most suspenseful part. Not a good idea, but Lillian Byrd has become one of my favorite friends. Sims’ character development allows me to become attached to her cast members, or not.
I look forward to spending more time with Lillian and her friends.
October 4, 2018
This one had a bit of a different tone in it than the other books in the series. I think because of the fact that it was an investigation so close to Lillian that there wasn't a ton of opportunity to be funny. I thought it was fantastic and really got me to see her in a different light. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
December 12, 2020
Lilian's life is truly an adventure and this book had me thinking about her life and how things since the first book have turned out for her. I really want her and Minerva to work out. Right now, I'm just not sure. It's amazing what greed and lust does to one?
I Still thing thus far book 2 is the best for me, but on to the next one.
I Still thing thus far book 2 is the best for me, but on to the next one.
December 20, 2021
No Kidding!?
Just when I'm feeling smug about having figured an Elizabeth Sims story plot out, she smacks me upside the head from a totally unexpected direction! And yeah, I like that about this author. No time to write more as I just bought the next book in the series. I'm off to be dazzled yet again.
Just when I'm feeling smug about having figured an Elizabeth Sims story plot out, she smacks me upside the head from a totally unexpected direction! And yeah, I like that about this author. No time to write more as I just bought the next book in the series. I'm off to be dazzled yet again.
September 15, 2017
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but three chapters into this one I pretty much knew how it would unfold. It wasn't a bad story, just really predictable. When I read a mystery, I like to try to figure it out before the ending, but really, not by the third chapter.
August 13, 2024
Rather disappointing after the first two books in the series. Lillian was less likeable and relatable in this book and much harsher. The premise of finding out what really happened to her parents and the fire had promise, but some of the antics, like the Las Vegas scenes, were just ridiculous.
May 23, 2019
Another winner!
I've loved all of the Lillian Byrd Series, and this one was no exception. An ending you never see coming and a wonderfully easy read.
I've loved all of the Lillian Byrd Series, and this one was no exception. An ending you never see coming and a wonderfully easy read.
March 22, 2021
This serious is hilarious! I have enjoyed each of them so much and can't wait to read the next one.
January 30, 2023
These books are like crack. So addicting.
July 22, 2015
Elizabeth Sims’ Lucky Stiff is a departure from the lighter tone of the first two novels in her Lillian Byrd series, Holy Hell and Damn Straight, which doesn’t necessarily make it a better or a worse book. That depends on the taste of the individual reader. One reader on amazon commented that Lillian appears to have lost most of her sense of humor. I’ll return to this topic in a bit, after getting a few basics out of the way.
Lucky Stiff is, as anyone familiar with Sims’ work would expect, mechanically well-written, logically plotted, fast-paced – if you pay attention, even in the more laid-pack scenes, things are constantly happening – with well-drawn, believable, if somewhat unusual characters. The mystery itself is more than enough to keep you reading, but various other plot threads make this a multi-leveled story, enriching the reading experience.
The most interesting of these plotlines is Lillian’s relationship with Blind Lonnie, a street musician in Detroit’s Greek Town. Down on her luck again, our heroine busks alongside the more experienced Lonnie, her mandolin to his guitar, and he becomes her mentor not just in musical improv, but in life’s lessons as well. Lillian learns you must truly “let go” to succeed at musical improvisation just as letting go of her past frees her to live more fully.
Lillian’s connection to the events of her past are her Uncle Guff and her childhood friend Duane. The latter deserts her in their quest to find out what happened to their respective parents and, forced to continue without him, she finds an inner strength she wasn’t aware of. Things come full circle when Lillian relates all she’s learned to Uncle Guff who is not only aware of most of what she’s unearthed but who reveals perhaps more than she ever wanted to know, giving her a secret she feels compelled to keep.
There’s also Lillian’s rekindled romance with Minerva Le Blanc, who is recovering from the assault in Holy Hell. The “romance” is mostly on Lillian’s part; Minerva seems more interested in sex and the possibility of a lucrative new book and she's more amused by Lillian’s naiveté than in love with her. If their relationship continues in the next book, to quote Han (and Luke, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Leia and C-3PO) “I have a bad feeling about this.”
To return to the opening topic, Lillian’s (disappearing?) sense of humor, Lucky Stiff is, indeed, darker than the earlier books. Given the principal theme, the death of Lillian’s parents and the disappearance of Duane’s mother, how can it not be? Clearly, humor can coexist alongside murder – Kate Allen’s Alison Kaine series is a prime example, but in Sims' third novel the relationship between the narrator and the victims is too intimate for that sort of humor to work. However, Sims’ novel does have wit aplenty, often generated, as in the earlier two novels, by Lillian’s interaction with her pet rabbit, Todd.
So, while there may not be any guffaws, there’s still humor, and I think Sims gets the amount of it just right. Again, Lucky Stiff is different from the first two books in the series but, bottom line, Lillian is still Lillian, She’s changed as a result of the circumstances she encounters but at some level she’s still the impulsive, error-prone, caring, inquisitive character we loved in Holy Hell. I especially enjoy when an author allows her protagonist to grow from book to book, and that is definitely what happens here. Personally, I would expect the next novel to return to the lighter tone of the first two bucks, but for Lillian to have more depth after the events of this novel.
To sum up, Lucky Stiff is very well-written, interesting on several levels, compelling at times, and moving without being sentimental. It is well worth your time and money.
Lucky Stiff is, as anyone familiar with Sims’ work would expect, mechanically well-written, logically plotted, fast-paced – if you pay attention, even in the more laid-pack scenes, things are constantly happening – with well-drawn, believable, if somewhat unusual characters. The mystery itself is more than enough to keep you reading, but various other plot threads make this a multi-leveled story, enriching the reading experience.
The most interesting of these plotlines is Lillian’s relationship with Blind Lonnie, a street musician in Detroit’s Greek Town. Down on her luck again, our heroine busks alongside the more experienced Lonnie, her mandolin to his guitar, and he becomes her mentor not just in musical improv, but in life’s lessons as well. Lillian learns you must truly “let go” to succeed at musical improvisation just as letting go of her past frees her to live more fully.
Lillian’s connection to the events of her past are her Uncle Guff and her childhood friend Duane. The latter deserts her in their quest to find out what happened to their respective parents and, forced to continue without him, she finds an inner strength she wasn’t aware of. Things come full circle when Lillian relates all she’s learned to Uncle Guff who is not only aware of most of what she’s unearthed but who reveals perhaps more than she ever wanted to know, giving her a secret she feels compelled to keep.
There’s also Lillian’s rekindled romance with Minerva Le Blanc, who is recovering from the assault in Holy Hell. The “romance” is mostly on Lillian’s part; Minerva seems more interested in sex and the possibility of a lucrative new book and she's more amused by Lillian’s naiveté than in love with her. If their relationship continues in the next book, to quote Han (and Luke, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Leia and C-3PO) “I have a bad feeling about this.”
To return to the opening topic, Lillian’s (disappearing?) sense of humor, Lucky Stiff is, indeed, darker than the earlier books. Given the principal theme, the death of Lillian’s parents and the disappearance of Duane’s mother, how can it not be? Clearly, humor can coexist alongside murder – Kate Allen’s Alison Kaine series is a prime example, but in Sims' third novel the relationship between the narrator and the victims is too intimate for that sort of humor to work. However, Sims’ novel does have wit aplenty, often generated, as in the earlier two novels, by Lillian’s interaction with her pet rabbit, Todd.
So, while there may not be any guffaws, there’s still humor, and I think Sims gets the amount of it just right. Again, Lucky Stiff is different from the first two books in the series but, bottom line, Lillian is still Lillian, She’s changed as a result of the circumstances she encounters but at some level she’s still the impulsive, error-prone, caring, inquisitive character we loved in Holy Hell. I especially enjoy when an author allows her protagonist to grow from book to book, and that is definitely what happens here. Personally, I would expect the next novel to return to the lighter tone of the first two bucks, but for Lillian to have more depth after the events of this novel.
To sum up, Lucky Stiff is very well-written, interesting on several levels, compelling at times, and moving without being sentimental. It is well worth your time and money.
September 2, 2020
Sims has created a quirky noir series featuring an amateur detective with terrible judgment. Anti-heroine Lillian Byrd has a pet rabbit, strums her mandolin for change on the mean streets of Detroit, and continually courts the wrong woman and/or disaster. The series is, alas, wildly uneven, but Lucky Stiff can take its place among the best of Elmore Leonard. The story begins when Lillian is busking in Greektown and runs into Duane, her best friend from childhood. She hasn’t seen him since the summer she was twelve and he was shipped off to camp to become more manly (he’s a big homo), while she lost her parents when a fire destroyed the family-owned bar (the decidedly working-class Polka Dot). Their joyful reunion takes a dark turn when they realize that Duane’s father might be responsible for the death of Lillian’s parents. As the book moves from Detroit to Las Vegas and back, revealing double and triple crosses, Sims poses an interesting question—is it really better to know the truth about the people you love? Lucky Stiff is a wonderfully atmospheric, tightly written book.
April 24, 2010
Still enjoying Elizabeth Sims sleuth Lillian Byrd. This is a character that I'd enjoy having as a friend though I'd want to slap some sense into her when it comes to some of her crazy choices. But she is a loyal friend and a determined heroine and you've gotta love her. Who wouldn't love a gal who has a pet rabbit named Todd?
April 19, 2018
Excellent story about Lillian finding answers to her past. Wonderful descriptions about downtown Detroit, and Las Vegas. The scenes with blind Lonnie were excellent. I loved the character of Minerva LeBlanc. Gritty story wonderfully written by Elizabeth Sims. Completely enjoyed reading this marvellous book.
February 22, 2015
I'm not going to penalize the author because this particular book wasn't my taste. The writing and the story itself were interesting and held my attention. I should learn to read the back of the book!
September 8, 2016
Loved it
I have loved all three of Elizabeth Sims books s far...they are witty and fun.. I am from the Detroit area and love to read books using the areas I know so well.. I highly recommend her books and hope to finish this series soon...
I have loved all three of Elizabeth Sims books s far...they are witty and fun.. I am from the Detroit area and love to read books using the areas I know so well.. I highly recommend her books and hope to finish this series soon...
July 27, 2013
An excellent mystery that is also a thought-provoking look at the results of investigating one's own family history too deeply. Terrific writing and well-drawn characters.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews