Hijack in Abstract

A Cherry Tucker Mystery #3

by Larissa Reinhart

With a classical series sold and a portrait commissioned, Cherry Tucker’s art career is in Georgia overdrive. But when the sheriff asks Cherry to draw a composite sketch of a hijacker, her life takes a hairpin as the composite leads to a related murder, her local card-sharking buddy Max Avtaikin becomes bear bait and her nemesis labels the classical series “pervert art.”

Cherry’s jamming gears between trailer parks, Atlanta mansions, and trucker bars searching for the hijacker who left a widow and orphan destitute. While she seeks to help the misfortunate and save her local reputation, Cherry’s hammer down attitude has her facing the headlights of an oncoming killer.

Books in the Cherry Tucker Humorous Mystery Series:

QUICK SKETCH (Novella prequel to PORTRAIT in HEARTACHE MOTEL) On Sale December 2013

PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY (#1)

STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW (#2)

HIJACK IN ABSTRACT (#3) On Sale November 2013

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth, Whodunit, Murder Mystery, Southern, Chick Lit

284 pages, ebook

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

A Wall Street Journal bestselling and international award-winning author, Larissa loves to tell funny, sweet stories about sassy Southern women looking for love (and sometimes dead bodies) in all the wrong places, like in her award-winning Cherry Tucker Mystery, Maizie Albright Star Detective, and/or Finley Goodhart Crime Caper series. You might have seen Larissa and her family with their little dog, Biscuit, on HGTV's House Hunters International "Living for the Weekend in Nagoya" episode. They’re back in Georgia where Biscuit has a bigger yard but now has to live with thunderstorms.
Check out LarissaReinhart.com to learn more and get a free story while you're visiting.

Her books have been chosen as book club picks by Woman's World Magazine and Hot Mystery Reviews. They've also been finalists for Georgia Author of the Year, the Silver Falchion, the Daphne du Maurier Award, The Emily Award, and Dixie Kane Memorial. Her work also appeared in the 2017 Silver Falchion Reader’s Choice winner, Eight Mystery Writers You Should Be Reading Now.

Cherry Tucker Mysteries (in order):

A CHRISTMAS QUICK SKETCH (prequel)
PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY
STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW
HIJACK IN ABSTRACT
DEATH IN PERSPECTIVE
THE VIGILANTE VIGNETTE
THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE
A COMPOSITION IN MURDER
A VIEW TO A CHILL
A MOTHERLODE OF TROUBLE

Maizie Albright Star Detective series in order:

15 MINUTES
16 MILLIMETERS
NC-17
A VIEW TO A CHILL
17.5 CARTRIDGES IN A PEAR TREE
18 CALIBER
18 1/2 DISGUISES
19 CRIMINALS (coming soon!)
20 CARATS

Finley Goodhart Crime Capers in order:

PIG’N A POKE (prequel short story for Larissa's subscribers)
THE CUPID CAPER

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Absolutely excellent. The family dynamic and personal relationships are what keeps me coming back to this series, but the mysteries are solid, too.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so love reading this series. Cherry is such a great character. She wants to do the right thing but there always seems to be more to the adventure. Things happen and she has to muddle her way through them.

'I really need to see if there was surgery for removing stupid from my DNA.'

I loved book #2 - Still Life in Brunswick Stew. Great title, don't you think? And I loved book #3 too. I loved everything about it; the quirky characters, the funny and sometimes awkward situations that Cherry gets herself into, and just her tenacity to right the wrongs.

I am looking forward to reading more of Cherry's adventures. She keeps me entertained, that's for sure! If you haven't read this series yet, you really should!

'You are born, you live, you die. You drink vodka and forget.'

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

All our friends are back again! Cherry always find her way into trouble. It doesn't matter that she was only trying to help her uncle by doing a composite of an alleged murderer. It will come back to bite her. Can things get any more intense with her not really boyfriend, her ex-husband, her brother, her sister, and everyone else in her life. And the goats!! They are actually watching out for her. Great, fun read!!

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star review Hijack in Abstract (A Cherry Tucker Mystery #3) by Larissa Reinhart

Audio Review:

Cherry Tucker’s art career is on the rise. Although book three in the series it can easily be listened to as a stand alone. Requested to do a sketch by the sheriff of Halo, Georgia of a suspected hijacker, it quickly tumbles in to danger when her sketch of the suspect is linked to a murder.

Cherry now has to solve the case of hand in taking on this investigation she will put everything she loves and holds dear to her at risk, including the job she has fought so hard to be successful at.

The characters are quirky and the situations she finds herself in make for some amusing moments. There were numerous twists and turns in and I admit I was caught off guard on a couple of occasions. The suspense built throughout and the addition of some junior sleuths added to the witty banter that was throughout the story.

Will Cherry be able to solve the case? The narrator Joan Dukore really brought this story to life for me. Her voice was easy to listen to and I thought she did justice to the story and the characters.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hijack In Abstract is the third book in the entertaining Cherry Tucker Mystery Series. Written in the first person narrative, the reader is transported back to Halo, Georgia, for the latest investigative adventure of struggling artist Cherry Tucker.

Cherry Tucker sure has a knack for getting into trouble, and in this latest installment of her quirky adventures, Cherry gets a call to help the Sheriff's Office sketch a composite of the suspect in a hijacking that occurred in town, and ends up uncovering secrets that gets herself involved in the middle of the hijacking and a related murder case. Cherry also finds herself in trouble again with old nemesis Shawna Branson, who once again tries to sabotage Cherry's reputation. And if that isn't enough, Cherry's love life is a mess when she is caught up in an ongoing love triangle with her ex-boyfriend Sheriff's Deputy Luke Harper and her ex-husband Todd!

This was such a fun whodunit to read, it had a great mixture of mystery, romance and humor. I easily found myself entertained by Cherry's craziness and her madcap investigative adventures. From Cherry's dysfunctional family, to her ongoing romantic issues, to her amateur sleuthing skills, this sassy southern lady's antics kept me entertained and laughing as I followed her quest to solve the latest murder case.

With a zany cast of characters (many who return from Portrait of a Dead Guy and Still Life In Brunswick Stew) who keep the reader in stitches with their witty dialogue and hilarious interactions; a storyline filled with enough drama, suspense and twist and turns that keeps the reader guessing; and a richly detailed setting that transports the reader to a quirky Southern small town for some down home sweet tea and local southern delicacies; Hijack In Abstract is an entertaining cozy mystery interwoven with Southern charm and humor that leaves you wanting to go on more crazy adventures with sassy Cherry Tucker!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Terri Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherry Tucker can't seem to stay out of trouble. Even drawing a simple police sketch throws her curiosity into overdrive. Finding herself in the middle of another mystery which somehow involves Halo's favorite Russian resident, Mr. Max, lands her in hot water with her ex-boyfriend and Sheriff's deputy, Luke Harper. Plus the town is up in arms over Cherry's nude drawings of Todd--her sort of ex-husband. Add a house full of rowdy siblings and being the target of her nemesis, Shawna Branson, and Cherry Tucker can't catch a break.

I was so lucky to score an advanced copy of Hijack in Abstract. I LOVED this book! I laughed out loud at Cherry's antics and the wacky residents of Halo, GA. This series keeps bringing lots of surprises and plenty of chuckles.

[Samantha March · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larissa Reinhart is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Hijack in Abstract
I was super exited get back into Cherry’s series, because I loved Still Life in Brunswick Stew. This mystery read was pretty intense, with lots of different elements and sub-plots woven together to give us a thrill. I’ve been becoming a pretty big fan of southern books as well, so pair that with my love of mysteries and what a winner! It was fun watching Cherry and Max do their weird dance shuffle dance step around each other, and I will say the last few chapters made this book really hard to put down – so much action! I think I liked Still Life just a touch more but I still really enjoyed this one. I would check out this series if you haven’t yet!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This author sure knows how to entertain her listeners and with so much going on, you hardly get to take a breath before something else happens. The mystery was good and had a number of twists, as well as sub plots but it is the characters that I just love. They are whacky, colourful and definitely unique all of which leads to some funny situations. Cherry is a great main character and despite her big caring heart and stubborn streak leading her in to trouble, you wouldn't want her to change. She is even friendly with her ex husband when she is talking to him and who has moved in with her, along with her sister and brother. Throw in a policeman who happens to be her ex, a nemesis with mean streak, a bullying goat and Cherry's life is anything but simple. The drama just adds to the fun and a good reason of why the book (and series) gets so many five star reviews. Can't wait for the next book.
Cherry gets called into the police station in the middle of the night but not because she has done something wrong for a change. Her Uncle, the sheriff, needs a suspect drawn. A man was murdered during a hijacking and one man witnessed it all. With Cherry's help the sheriff hopes to identify the suspect with a drawing but the truck drivers are reluctant to talk to the police and when a tragedy happens Cherry feels responsible. Can she help the dead man's family by finding his killer? At the same time her her Classical portraits of her nude ex husband get sold and her nemesis is using blown up parts of the paintings to drag her name through the mud with the good church folks in town. Can she put a stop to her vendetta once and for all? Or does she have two targets on her back? one of which could get her killed.
I liked the narrator. She has a carefree bubbly voice which is just perfect for the characters in this books.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hijack in Abstract is the third book in Larissa Reinhart’s Cherry Tucker Mystery series. Trained portrait artist Cherry Tucker is in a world of trouble when her archenemy, Shawna Harper, is on a vendetta to blacklist Cherry and is using Cherry’s classical Roman portraits, or naked Todds, to do this.

Meanwhile, Cherry’s home has reached SRO status when her sister Casey, brother Cody, and out of work ex Todd crash on her. When her Uncle Will, the sheriff, calls upon Cherry to draw a composite from a witness’s description of the gunman in a truck hijack, Cherry is elated to put her skills and talent to good use. But when the witness is found dead, leaving behind an ailing grandmother and a young son, Cherry feels responsible.

With all that is going on in Halo, Cherry is excited when wealthy lawyer Rupert contacts her about having a portrait made and shares that he owns her classical paintings. Also, he seems to be on a one-ups-man vendetta against Max “the Bear” Avtaikin from Cherry’s hometown. This adds a strong story thread that leads to a dramatic conclusion!

With great heart and humor, Ms. Reinhart spins a lovely who dun-nit that will appeal to all lovers of southern mystery or southern fiction. I found myself laughing aloud when I wasn’t flipping quickly through the pages to see what happened next. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this one!

I love the small town atmosphere, the quirky characters and the dialogues. The world-building is so detailed that you feel like you have stepped in a Southern suburb.

The mystery is truly well done, and Cherry gets involved when, as the local a portrait artist, she is called to sketch a suspect in a truck-stop hijacking and the murder of the truck driver. When the witness who helped her to do the sketch gets murdered, a sense of responsibility leads her to keep digging.

From then on there is a lot of twist and turns, a lot of humour and a bit of romance. A very enjoyable read :D

Oh, and this is the third in the series, and although you can read it as a stand-alone, it will be more fun if you read all of them.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greed and the darker side of the law

Terrific read. Hijacking and murder seem to have come into town and the mean girl is getting meaner. Cherry finds her generous spirit drawn to help the family left behind by one of the victims. Can she solve this latest foray into the darker side of human nature? Is her new commission on the up and up? Why are some pictures so important to Shawn? Loved the plot but Luke is really getting to be a pain. He either loves her or not - is proud to be with her or not? Wish there was another character to take his place. He is not worthy! Nevertheless a terrific read.

[Melissa Castor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book in the series that I’ve read and the first book by this author that I’ve read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The town of Halo was charming and fun. I loved Cherry and her crazy family and ex-husband all moving in with her and taking over her home. Cherry is asked to draw a hijacker witnessed by a copper thief. Later the thief is found dead and Cherry feels responsible. She gets herself caught up in investigating the hijacking all while trying to paint a portrait for a wealthy man and trying to undo the damage her nemesis is doing to her reputation. A fun book. I look forward to reading more of this series and hopefully see Luke and Cherry end up together!

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the Cherry Tucker cozy mystery by Larissa Reinhart. The characters are likable and often humorous. The mystery is interesting and kept me guessing. Cherry Tucker is an artist living in Halo, Georgia. Her sister, brother and ex-husband have all moved in with her. She sold some artwork but needs another sale. The sheriff asks her to draw a sketch of a hijacker and things spiral out of control. Cherry winds up in the middle of a murder investigation. Her nemesis Shawna is spreading rumors. Her ex-boyfriend Detective Luke Harper is volunteering to help her plus to keep an eye on her. She is helping a family who is having a difficult time. It is all keeping her very busy! I received an audiobook from the author for an honest review. The audiobook is narrated by Joan Dukore who also does the Maizie Albright series. It took me a couple of chapters to switch gears but the characters are different enough and the book is interesting from the beginning so it was an easy transition. Joan Dukore is marvelous and makes the characters come to life. Very enjoyable! #HijackInAbstract #Larissa Reinhart

[Kris Schmidgall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad this is finally available on Audible. I really enjoy this series. I had listened to the first two books some time ago. The narrator is different, but still really good. I like how Cherry cares for others, but isn't a doormat, is spunky, but not obnoxious. I also love her bejeweled shirts! She is just being herself. I think Larissa Reinhart does a great job writing. I listen to a lot of books, and this really kept me interested. I like that it had tension without a lot of violence. I hope the whole series will be available on audio.

[Ashley Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series with Cherry being both parts fascinating and frustrating. Sadly, much of Halo was reminiscent of a place near and dear ...almost disturbingly so. Fortunately I am no Cherry soni had a much different small town experience, though the author caught the southern quirks quite well.

[Cristie Tredeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

They just keep getting better! If you haven’t started reading this series- what are you waiting for? The characters are fabulous. The storyline is great- just keeps you moving along and wanting more- which I do- moving right to the next book!

[Cindy Rippentrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escapade

Mysteries run amuck in this part of the series. While each story is a stand alone there is a few background stories that will take awhile to complete I am sure.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hijacking, illegals, and a bad CIS worker, what more could you want??? Of course, Cherry painting Todd and Luke… Oh, well, I did enjoy this story and recommend the book.

[Sienna S'Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confusing plot, interesting characters, didn't exactly understand the ending.

[Jane Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hijack in Abstract is an outstanding addition to the Cherry Tucker Mystery series. {To read my Five-Kitty reviews of Book 1, Portrait of a Dead Guy, click here, and of Book 2, Still Life in Brunswick Stew, click here.} Author Larissa Reinhart's third book in the series is the best yet, and highly recommended. Where else can one read about Dixie Cakes, goat breeding, mysterious chauffeurs, Visa cards and "pervert art" in the same book?


Here are just some of the many reasons that I recommend Hijack in Abstract and the Cherry Tucker Mysteries.

Hijack in Abstract has a great opening paragraph:

There are many places you don't want to be at zero dark thirty, but I've got a personal top three. One is the ER. Second is a police station. The third is your ex-boyfriend's bedroom.

Where is she? Based on Cherry's previous history, she could be in any of these four (she has two ex-boyfriends) places. Read the book, to find out.


As promised in my Brunswick Stew review, here are more examples (with evidence, in quotes from Hijack in Abstract) of why I like Cherry and enjoy the Cherry Tucker Mysteries so much.

Cherry's sleuthing skills —

...I can gain information as good as any cop just through my local gossip network. I call myself inquisitive and creative. He calls me nosy and harebrained.

Her loyalty and commitment to her friends —

"I can't turn my back on a friend."
"I know that all too well," said Luke. "I think the exact words were, 'I'd break the law to help a friend.'"

We'd been friends since kindergarten after I slugged Brandy Cosgrove who had stolen her Beanie Babies dolphin. I'd received my first suspension and a friend for life.

Her sense of humor —

"Miss Cherry Tucker, hello," said the new voice. "I have found you."
Considering the voice was somewhere in metro-Atlanta and I was sitting in my truck in mid-west Georgia, I didn't follow. "Were we playing hide and seek?"

The heavy wooden door swung open, I stepped aside and stifled a maniacal giggle. "Gold paneling with brass trim. This is a first for me."

Her fashion sense (mentioned in a previous review also) —

I had my own line of Cherry Tucker clothing, mostly pieces from Walmart retrofitted with bling, dye, and a pair of scissors.

Her honesty about her own faults —

"Wow. I'm kind of speechless. Which, if you knew me, you would find remarkable."

Sometimes I forget to tell myself to stop yammering.

I really needed to see if there was surgery for removing stupid from my DNA.

"My pride will be my undoing?" I hedged. "On the contrary, I think it's more an issue with being stubborn. Or my mouth. I've got a lot of flaws to choose from."

The way Cherry describes colors so artistically, using names of artists' pigments —

brown ochre curls [hair]
transparent oxide-red lake [hair highlights]
every shade of pink from ruby lake to vermilion extra [someone blushing]
Venetian red [fingernails]
Gray and perylene black [camo tank top]
king's blue deep or blue light. Maybe phthalo blue... [eye color]
dioxazine mauve glow [of twilight]
Payne's gray [eye color]

Her loyalty to flag and country (her tact, not so much) —

"I can't read your stupid file. It's in cryptic."
"Cyrillic," shouted Max. "You are the stupid."
"Forgive me for not knowing your foreign language, foreigner," I yelled. "I'm American and you're in America."

I think that any fan of cozy mysteries will enjoy Hijack in Abstract by Larissa Reinhart, especially a fan who likes a heroine who is a little bit (a lot?) sassy and spunky. For mystery fans new to cozies, this is a great series to begin with. Hijack in Abstract has earned Five out of Five Kitties!


Originally published at JaneReads

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Larissa Reinhart’s HIJACK IN ABSTRACT is the third book in her Cherry Tucker series. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, it is possible to delve right in; however, Reinhart addresses a few situations that occurred in previous books. If you don’t mind a few spoilers and backtracking, then proceed. Reinhart does a great job explaining relationships and situations without overwhelming new and established readers.

When Cherry Tucker draws a composite sketch of a hijacker, she has no idea the secrets she’s about to uncover. She wants to assist in the investigation, but her involvement is put on hold when a local nemesis goes out of her way to besmirch Cherry’s reputation by labeling her art as perversion. Seeking assistance from a local Russian art collector, Cherry thinks her problems will be solved. But when Cherry receives a lucrative portrait commission, she quickly finds out there’s more to the hijacking case than meets the eye. Will Cherry be able to find the hijacker before it’s too late or will she find herself in front an angry mob demanding she move from Halo?

It’s difficult at times for readers to come into an established series because character development occurred in the first book. By the time we get to the third, the author has a pretty good grasp of the characters and won’t go into detail regarding who they are. Reinhart does a good job introducing us to established characters and at no point did I feel lost trying to figure them out. I was surprised at how much I liked Cherry! I want to hang out with her, even though she’d look down on me when she finds out I’m the type who sees an art exhibit in less than ten minutes. We have a wide cast of secondary characters who play a vital role. There’s Luke, Cherry’s ex-boyfriend who is also a Deputy in the Sheriff’s department. He reluctantly allows Cherry to investigate and he doesn’t realize how helpful she can be with regards to obtaining information. One character that stood out was the Russian, Max. He really surprised me and I’m not going to go into detail with his background because it ruins the story. The one character I really liked? Cherry’s ex-husband, Todd! He makes me laugh and even though I’m not Team Todd, I’d love for him to find his own happiness. In the background wreaking havoc is Shawna and she really goes out of her way to make Cherry’s life uncomfortable. If you’ve ever lived in a small town, you’ll easily associate with Reinhart’s characters.

Narration is first person and even though I’m not a big fan of this type of point of view, I was very comfortable with Cherry as a narrator. She’s engaging and I really enjoyed getting to know everyone in Halo from her perspective. The feud between Cherry and Shawna reminded me a bit of old westerns and the big showdown scenes. I could hear The Trio from THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY playing in the background when these two were near each other. I was angry on behalf of Cherry when Luke refused to get involved in the Shawna feud. I understand Shawna is related to his family and no one wants problems, but all Cherry was asking for was a little help in trying to figure out what Shawna’s deal was. We have a potential love triangle between Cherry, Todd, and Luke. I also get the feeling some readers want a Max and Cherry romance. I’m still not sure where my loyalty lies, but if I had to go based on HIJACK alone, I’d say Luke!

As for the overall mystery, I thought this was going to be your basic formulaic mystery, but Reinhart took me on a fun rollercoaster ride. Everyone is a suspect and just when you think you have things figured out, you’re forced to reevaluate your theory and modify your suspect list. I haven’t had this much fun trying to solve a mystery in a while and it sure beats playing a game of Clue any day!

This was my first Cherry Tucker book despite having PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY (I just haven’t had a chance to start it) and it won’t be my last. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, I recommend Larissa Reinhart’s HIJACK IN ABSTRACT. I’m looking forward to reading the first two in the series and can’t wait to spend more time with Cherry.

This review and more are posted at Literary, etc.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: Hijack in Abstracta

4 STARS

I have now read and enjoyed all three books in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series. In Hijack in Abstract Cherry gets a call in the middle of the night to draw a picture of a murder from a witness. Cherry likes the witness and does a good job.

Cherry Tucker Mystery series is more like a soap opera. You keep hoping things will work out for her. She gets into the biggest messes. She has someone trying to ruin her artist reputation in Shawna Luke's cousin. The ending of the books make you want to read the next to see what happens next.

Hijack in Abstract takes place not to long after Still Life in Brunswick Stew. These books can stand alone but are better I believe if you read them in order for all the relationships information. Each story has a lot of the same characters and some new ones too.

Cherry is a portrait artist in a small town. She has a brother Cody and sister Casey. Cherry is very nosy. She has got involved in solving some crimes much to her Uncle the Sheriff and her ex-boyfriend Luke. Cherry lives in a two bedroom house that she also uses for painting her portraits. Right now her house is getting crowded. With ex-husband Todd, Cody and Casey.

Cherry wants to help people, she wants to find out who is responsible for the Hijacking of the trucks and other information to help a family. Luke takes her to a bar as his cover. Luke broke up with her when he caught her ex Todd Naked as she was painting him.

You don't want to put the book down when your finished. I want to read another Cherry Tucker and see what happens next in life. So if you liked the first two books you will want to read Hijack in Abstract. This is full of drama, mystery, action, humor and interesting characters make for a good story that I enjoyed

The setting is a small town not too far from Atlanta. A lot of the story happens in two different bars.
We get to know a little bit more of the mysterious Max. A Russian who ran some gambling out of his big country estate. He actually likes Cherry's art and has bought some. Cherry and Max have a interesting relationship. She has tried to get him in trouble with the gambling schemes in the first two books. I admit that I do like him too.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by NetGalley and Henery Press.
publication: November 5th 2013 by Henery Press 284 pages

[Traci (Mad Hatter Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say that Larissa Reinhart’s Cherry Tucker Mystery series is my guilty pleasure, but I SOOO don’t feel guilty about it. While the series might be a departure from my usual reading habits, it’s a trip back to one of my first loves – mystery. And the Cherry Tucker series has rapidly become a favorite.

Larissa’s world building is excellent, completely immersing the reader in the idiosyncrasies of the small-town South, where you can’t hide the family dirty laundry and it’s the frequent topic of backyard gossip.

The story is well-paced, filled with humor, conflict, and some romantic frustration (for heaven’s sake Cherry…pick one! I want some nookie!) which all keep the pages turning.

The characters are fabulous, both main characters and secondary characters alike. Cherry believes it’s her duty to “help” solve the hijacking and murder of a local copper thief, even though her uncle Will, the County Sherriff, only asks for her help with a composite sketch. But Cherry is nosy enough…err…cares enough to want to help the surviving family find closure and takes it upon herself to start tracking down leads. Then there’s the three main male characters (and the three Cherry needs to decide about) Todd, Luke and Max. Todd McIntosh is sweet (in a puppy dog kind of way), ripped, and always willing to help Cherry with her “investigations. Deputy Luke Harper got back in my good graces in this installment. I was a bit annoyed with him in book 2, but he finally seems to realize what he let slip through his grasp and seemed more at ease with Cherry’s schemes. Then there’s Max Avtaikin, Cherry’s favorite card-shark/bingo purveyor. They’ve had an interesting relationship over the series, going from Cherry doing her best to have Max convicted of various illegal activities to friendship/art patronage. We learn even more about Mr. Max in Hijack and my image of him has completely be turned around.

I would recommend you read the entire series. Sure you could probably read Hijack in Abstract as a stand-alone, but where’s the fun in that? Actually, there are little clues to some overall series questions that are unveiled in each installment, so you really would enjoy it more by reading the series and we’re not that far in so you can get caught up quickly. So hurry up now, and go pick them up!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery series by Larissa Reinhart. Cherry Tucker remains a feisty, opinionated, loud mouthed, big hearted spit fire of a character. She may be a bit redneck, but you would never have a truer friend. I just love reading about Cherry's exploits. She makes a trip to the SipNZip an adventure.

This book begins with Cherry in the local police station at 3am doing a composite drawing for her honorary uncle, Sheriff Will Thompson. There was a shooting and hijacking of a rig out at the interstate reststop, and the police were lucky enough to find a witness. A witness who was trying to steal copper wire, but a witness none the less. Of course, when Cherry finds out about it, she can't but be curious and want to know what happened. And how else do you find out, except by asking questions? Cherry's ex boyfriend, Deputy Luke Harper, doesn't take kindly to Cherry's way of finding out information and would like to keep her out of the investigation completely. With Cherry's recently sale of her "Classical" paintings, and a new portrait commission lined up, she really shouldn't have time get involved. Little does she know exactly how far she will end up delving into the investigation.

One of the great things about the Cherry Tucker books are the variety of interesting associates. Cherry has quite a collection of the unique, engaging and distinctive cast of characters around her. From Max "The Bear" Avtaikin to her sister Casey and from Grandpa Ed to her best friend Leah, Cherry's friends and family all help to showcase the many sides and facets of Cherrilyn Tucker.

Every book I change my mind about who I think Cherry should be with romantically. I imagine if I am having this kind of trouble, there is no wonder Cherry seems so confounded with her options. In book 1, I was rooting for Luke, book 2 had me reconsidering Todd and in this book I put some sincere thought into Max. It's my opinion though, that Cherry will never settle down until she resolves things with her mother. Not to get spoiler-y, but we do get another piece to that puzzle at the end of this story. I am looking forward to reading more. I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Hijack in Abstract - Cherry Tucker Mystery 3
Author: Larissa Reinhart
Published: 11-5-13
Publisher: Henery Press
Pages: 294
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Amateur Sleuths; Crafts and Hobbies, Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9781938383724
ASIN: B00GEEJY80
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley

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Cherry Tucker returns once more filled with southern charm and steely strength. When she is called to the Sherriff's office at four in the morning to draw a composite of a suspect in a murder case by her uncle she quickly sketches a portrait of what witness, Tyrone Coderre saw. When Tyrone, who was under suspicion of theft at the time is murdered Cherry feels she needs to find out what happened to the cheeky young man. Her plate is also filled with not only her sister moving into her cottage with her, but also her ex-husband Todd, to whom her marriage was annulled. The same Todd, Cherry's boyfriend Luke seems to feel Cherry is still emotionally linked with.


Cherry is a strong character with a head-strong stubborn streak. She does not like being pushed around by anyone and is not afraid to push back. Tempering her attitude with southern charm and quick wit makes her so lovable and memorable. Step on over to Halo and take a stroll down Main, get to know everyone. You'll be returning often to see how everyone is doing and like most of the rest of us cheering on your favorite Luke or Todd; who will win Cherry's heart? Hijack in Abstract has a fast moving storyline that keep our head in the book until the very end.



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[Eustacia Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what to call this book. It's supposed to be a cozy mystery, but the words "cozy mystery" remind me of Agatha Christie or "The Cat Who..." series. This book, while not grim, is a bit more grown-up.

Sherry Tucker, our protagonist, is pulled into a mystery when the Sheriff (who also happens to be her uncle) calls her in to make a profile sketch. But soon, the witness is killed and well, she starts poking her nose in.

To me, this book isn't so much a mystery as a really exhilarating ride as Sherry gets pulled into one situation after another. Her "solving" the mystery had more to do with coincidence than actual deduction (at least to me). But, when there's so much drama to be had, I'm not complaining.

Now, Sherry's life has so much drama that if I even start to describe them, this review will never end. But the one thing that caught my attention would be the love triangle. There's Sherry, and there's Todd (ex-husband, but she got the marriage annulled) and there's Luke (ex-boyfriend, cop) and I don't even know if Max (shady rich foreigner that she's trying to get arrested - but he helps her out) is in the picture. Personally, I'm rooting for Todd, seems he seems really sweet and supportive. But then again, I haven't read the earlier books in the series (I really have to fix that).

I'm actually amazed that this book isn't longer. It packs a lot of punch with all the drama going on. If you're in need of entertainment, you should check out this book.

Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review as part of Buy The Book Blog Tours.

This review was first posted to Inside the mind of a Bibliophile

[Marilyn Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read with lots of interesting characters. Cherry Tucker gets herself into all kinds of trouble while solving the mystery. I will be looking for the other Cherry Tucker books. Thank you Goodreads and Henery Press for the opportunity to win and review this book.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who else but Cherry Tucker could find herself in the middle of a hijacking ring, a problem with a meth ring, and a painting scandal more or less all at the same time? And then there is Luke. Are they really done after all this time together?

Cherry is thrilled when the police call her to help out for a change instead of yell at her to keep her nose out of their business. They want her to make a composite drawing of a truck hijacking suspect. It's a pleasant challenge. But of course, Cherry just can't leave it at that.

Then Shawna has been showing pictures around town of Cherry's latest paintings that were sold. They happened to be in the Greek style with a nude model (her ex-husband). Shawna considers this immoral and feels that the majority of the town will agree with her. Just what does Shawna want from all this?

And there is the mystery of just who did buy those paintings. He wants to commission a portrait now too. Why is he so competitive with the Bear?

So much mystery, but all well done. You won't feel like you are drowning in subplots. It all follows logically, Cherry's kind of logic. It's a wonderfully adventurous book with a touch of romance and humor. I found it thoroughly enjoyable. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received a copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.

Hijack in Abstract by Larissa Reinhart was released by Henery Press November 5, 2013.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hijack In Abstract is the 3rd book in the Cherry Tucker Mystery Series and like the other two books before, and the awesome prequel short story, you have a book that is full of mystery and hilarity.

When the story opens with Cherry drawing a composite in the middle of the night sans bra, you know things are going to be getting funny.

There's still romantic tension between her and her ex-Luke and her ex-husband Todd, who happens to be staying at her place. But there's also Max, and his mysterious badness makes him very lovable.

I absolutely love Cherry, and have from the first book. She's different from most cozy heroines that I've read. She's smart and caring, while still being a bit of a ditz. Her crazy luck makes me think of a Southern Stephanie Plum, but at least cars aren't blowing up around her. The thing that stands out here, is how she helps Tyrone's family after his murder. I loved how she cared about his son and grandmother.

You can read this book as a stand a lone, but I have to say, it would be better to have read the first two, because that will help you sort out Cherry and her relationships. (They can get confusing...probably even for Cherry).

The mystery, keeps you on your toes and you get to meet all the characters from the past books, who just add to the fun. Oh and you may even shed a tear at the end for Tater, the goat.

If you haven't read this series, you need to start now.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherry is in trouble again and not just her love life - first, she is doing a police sketch of a killer given by a witness who is later killed. She is showing picture around and asking questions which is not good for her health. Second, Shawna is trying to ruin her reputation to get her run out of town. Then there is Max, Rupert, illegal workers who are really slaves. And her love life while the least said about that the better, at least for Cherry. The girl can just not stay out of trouble!!

This story was so intense that I could not read it in one sitting, I had to keep coming back to it. This is very unusual for me, but I really identified with Cherry in this book and this is how it affected me.

The story sucked me right in and made me part of the action, so much so I had to slip away from time to time. For me this is the ultimate sign of wonderfully well written book. The characters become so real, that what they feel you feel.

Loved this book so much, I will reread it!! This is the 3rd book in the series, can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.