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A Renaissance Faire Mystery #5.5
Perilous Pranks
Wanda Le Fey is dead, and Jessie Morton may be accused of her murder. Jessie was only getting revenge on a prank that Wanda had pulled on her. Someone else killed Wanda and left her in her shower, dyed blue by Jessie hand.
Now Jessie is looking for Wanda's killer - spurred on by Wanda's blue ghost following her around Renaissance Faire Village, demanding justice.
With her wedding to Bailiff Chase Manhattan less than a month away, and her new job at the Village Museum of Arts and Crafts, will Jessie be able to find Wanda's killer too?
It's either that, or life with dead Wanda, forever.
Now Jessie is looking for Wanda's killer - spurred on by Wanda's blue ghost following her around Renaissance Faire Village, demanding justice.
With her wedding to Bailiff Chase Manhattan less than a month away, and her new job at the Village Museum of Arts and Crafts, will Jessie be able to find Wanda's killer too?
It's either that, or life with dead Wanda, forever.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2013
11 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Lavene
78 books646 followersaka Elyssa Henry and Joye Ames, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 22, 2019
I picked up this novella because it was written by two of my favorite mystery authors Jim and Joyce Lavene and it took place in a Renaissance Village. I thought that setting sounded so fun and it was. This book was really entertaining and kept me guessing. Lots of suspects to choose from as this village was full of colorful characters. Can't wait to read more in this cozy mystery series.
October 29, 2019
~A most rousing joust betwixt murdered and murderer.
~Perhaps, kind Lords and Ladies, one should amble over to one’s local tavern, have a buxom fair maiden draw a tankard of ale, settle onto a rough wood hewn bench before a blazing fire to partake of this, most excellent story.
~The cast of characters, Lady Jessie, Bailiff Chase, Wanda Le Fey, Shakespeare, Royal Knight Sir Marcus, the King and Queen, and all the others…all remain in character throughout the book. And by ‘in character’ I refer to that character of the Renaissance Faire. (Having attended a number of period events…writing the characters in this manner is proper and was skillfully carried out by the authors.)
~The book is written in a pleasant, light, fairly fast passed style.
~The ghost of the murdered Wanda is mentioned in the description of the book, so it is no spoiler that I address this topic. Medieval times were a time of royalty, of honor, and of mysticism. What we might presently call ‘paranormal’ was looked upon as ghosts crossing and not crossing over to the other side after their deaths. Every kingdom had a Wizard and every kingdom had a haunted area that the peasants avoided after dark. The addition of a ghost is definitely not out of place within the context of this medieval tale.
~I have only read one book in this series, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would consider others in this series. I do recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy mystery in a different sort of setting.
~My Lords and Ladies, I humbly encourage thee to move out from yon dark ages…become enlightened…and read this enchanting story. I bid thee farewell
~Perhaps, kind Lords and Ladies, one should amble over to one’s local tavern, have a buxom fair maiden draw a tankard of ale, settle onto a rough wood hewn bench before a blazing fire to partake of this, most excellent story.
~The cast of characters, Lady Jessie, Bailiff Chase, Wanda Le Fey, Shakespeare, Royal Knight Sir Marcus, the King and Queen, and all the others…all remain in character throughout the book. And by ‘in character’ I refer to that character of the Renaissance Faire. (Having attended a number of period events…writing the characters in this manner is proper and was skillfully carried out by the authors.)
~The book is written in a pleasant, light, fairly fast passed style.
~The ghost of the murdered Wanda is mentioned in the description of the book, so it is no spoiler that I address this topic. Medieval times were a time of royalty, of honor, and of mysticism. What we might presently call ‘paranormal’ was looked upon as ghosts crossing and not crossing over to the other side after their deaths. Every kingdom had a Wizard and every kingdom had a haunted area that the peasants avoided after dark. The addition of a ghost is definitely not out of place within the context of this medieval tale.
~I have only read one book in this series, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would consider others in this series. I do recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy mystery in a different sort of setting.
~My Lords and Ladies, I humbly encourage thee to move out from yon dark ages…become enlightened…and read this enchanting story. I bid thee farewell
June 2, 2019
First off, there is no way this is 160+ pages. Second we add a bit of paranormal to this series on book 5.5? And finally, Wanda is murdered (I really wouldn't want to work at this Faire) and her ghost haunts Jessie to find her killer.
What I enjoyed:
* I always enjoy visiting the Faire.
* I'm glad Jessie is now a permanent resident
* Not sure about having a ghost in the story, seems a weird change, but also interesting to find out who can see Wanda
What could have been better:
* Detective Almond seemed unrealistically focused on Jessie with really stupid ideas for motive
* For a place where everyone knows everything about everyone, it seems some romances managed to fly under the radar
*
What I enjoyed:
* I always enjoy visiting the Faire.
* I'm glad Jessie is now a permanent resident
* Not sure about having a ghost in the story, seems a weird change, but also interesting to find out who can see Wanda
What could have been better:
* Detective Almond seemed unrealistically focused on Jessie with really stupid ideas for motive
* For a place where everyone knows everything about everyone, it seems some romances managed to fly under the radar
*
July 28, 2015
Perilous Pranks is a novella (short novel) in the Renaissance Faire Mystery Series by Joyce and Jim Lavene. This novella includes the first chapter of Murderous Matrimony, the 6th book in series and leaves the reader yearning for more! This is the second book that I have read in the series this week. I plan to get Murderous Matrimony read next as I can’t wait to learn what happens next. Perilous Pranks starts out about 2 weeks before Murderous Matrimony. You don't need to read the books in order but I, honestly, think it would be better as one novel prepared the reader for what is about to ensue. Perilous Pranks starts out strong grabbing the reader’s attention as a dead body being found early in the story. Jessie quickly learned why Wanda was not screaming at her for dying her blue. Curious Jessie needed to know why no screams were heard, went to investigate, Wanda's door was unlocked, and found Wanda blue and very dead in the bathroom
Perilous Pranks is set in Renaissance Faire village. The characters are well developed. A majority of them are cast members at Ren Faire and live there as well. When Ren Faire is open to visitors, the cast members always talk and look the part of the role they portray. Jessie and Chase, the Bailiff and head of security, live together in the village. They are planning to get married at the Village.in 2 weeks. Pranks are a part of life if you live at Adventureland's Renaissance Faire Jessie was guilty of dyeing Wanda blue as revenge for Wanda gluing her gown to a chair at the Lady of the Lake Tavern, but not murder. Jessie becomes the prime suspect because she did not like Wanda. Detective Almond doesn't have enough evidence to arrest Jesse but he keeps looking. Fortunately many people disliked Wanda so Jesse and Chase have plenty of suspects to investigate. Jessie wants to find the real murder before she is arrested for it. Than Wanda's starts haunting Jessie and won't leave her alone unless she finds her killer. Jessie definitely doesn’t want the blue ghost as an uninvited wedding guest. The biggest questions that need resolution include: Where is Shakespeare? Who was Wanda dating? Who put Wanda's enchanted bracelet in the museum to frame Jesse?
Joyce and Jim Lavene take the reader on a laughter filled search for the killer. This novella is a quick read with quirky characters, a multitude of red herrings, unexpected twists and turns, with loads of intrigue. To pique the reader’s interest the King and Queen of Adventureland has pronounced that Jessie and Chase’s wedding will be a community affair adding the weddings of 250 couples to what was to be their special Renaissance Fair Wedding day. Perilous Pranks sets up Murderous Matrimony really well and I can’t wait to read it. I have never been to a Renaissance Faire but after reading books in this series I cannot wait to attend one. If you like a mystery with the fun of a Renaissance Faire, then you should be reading Perilous Pranks (and the other books in this series).
Perilous Pranks is set in Renaissance Faire village. The characters are well developed. A majority of them are cast members at Ren Faire and live there as well. When Ren Faire is open to visitors, the cast members always talk and look the part of the role they portray. Jessie and Chase, the Bailiff and head of security, live together in the village. They are planning to get married at the Village.in 2 weeks. Pranks are a part of life if you live at Adventureland's Renaissance Faire Jessie was guilty of dyeing Wanda blue as revenge for Wanda gluing her gown to a chair at the Lady of the Lake Tavern, but not murder. Jessie becomes the prime suspect because she did not like Wanda. Detective Almond doesn't have enough evidence to arrest Jesse but he keeps looking. Fortunately many people disliked Wanda so Jesse and Chase have plenty of suspects to investigate. Jessie wants to find the real murder before she is arrested for it. Than Wanda's starts haunting Jessie and won't leave her alone unless she finds her killer. Jessie definitely doesn’t want the blue ghost as an uninvited wedding guest. The biggest questions that need resolution include: Where is Shakespeare? Who was Wanda dating? Who put Wanda's enchanted bracelet in the museum to frame Jesse?
Joyce and Jim Lavene take the reader on a laughter filled search for the killer. This novella is a quick read with quirky characters, a multitude of red herrings, unexpected twists and turns, with loads of intrigue. To pique the reader’s interest the King and Queen of Adventureland has pronounced that Jessie and Chase’s wedding will be a community affair adding the weddings of 250 couples to what was to be their special Renaissance Fair Wedding day. Perilous Pranks sets up Murderous Matrimony really well and I can’t wait to read it. I have never been to a Renaissance Faire but after reading books in this series I cannot wait to attend one. If you like a mystery with the fun of a Renaissance Faire, then you should be reading Perilous Pranks (and the other books in this series).
November 22, 2013
4 STARS
Perilous Pranks is a shorter novel in the Renaissance Faire Mystery series. I liked it. This is the third story that I have read in the series this week. I am thinking of buying more of the series to read next.
In Perilous Pranks starts out about 2 weeks before Murderous Matrimony. You don't need to read the books in order but I think it would be better. Since I have read Murderous Matrimony #6 first, than Treacherous Toys #5 and now Perilous Pranks #5.5 some of the suspense of who the murders are is missing because I know that this character was around for book 6.
In Perilous Pranks starts out strong with the body being found right away. Jessie finds out why Wanda was not screaming at her for dying her blue. Wanda's door was unlocked, so Jessie went into find Wanda blue but dead in the bathroom.
Jessie is the prime suspect because she did not like Wanda, found the body & dyed her blue. So Jessie wants to find the real murder before she is arrested for it. Than Wanda's starts haunting Jessie and won't leave her alone unless she finds her killer.
Perilous Pranks sets up Murderous Matrimony really well.
I like the setting of A Renaissance Faire village. How the cast members always have to talk and look the part while the village is open. after it closes there is still a lot of the cast members who live in the village full time.
Jessie and Chase live together now full time in the village. They are planning to get married soon at the Village. Chase is the Bailiff and is head of security their. Chase is well liked and well known.
It is a fun cozy mystery series.
I got my copy free from Amazon
Published August 13th 2013 by J Lavene 166 pages ASIN: B00EJMVTDM
September 5, 2013
Pranks are a part of life if you live at Adventureland’s Renaissance Faire. Jessie Morton has been waiting for the perfect opportunity to get back at Wanda Le Fey. She finally has her chance and added a little blue dye to Wanda’s shower head but it seems as someone else thought it was the perfect time to get rid of Wanda – permanently.
Wanda is found dead in her shower, her skin a lovely blue shade of color and all the evidence of her murder leads directly back to Jessie. So now instead of finalizing the plans for her upcoming wedding Jessie is trying to track down the real killer. She even has a sidekick, Wanda in all her blue ghostly self is following Jessie everywhere.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This was a week of fabulously funny reading. This book was almost side-splitting!! I was laughing so hard at Wanda’s ghostly antics my family came in to see what was so funny.
Jim and Joyce write amazing books and you could never tell it was two people writing the stories. They flow perfectly with no breaks in the story at all. They also create sensational characters. In this short story the interplay between Jessie and Wanda is wonderful. Many of our favorites from the series pop in here and there. The King and Queen make a major announcement and Chase is running around trying to do his part of the wedding plans while trying to help the police catch Wanda’s killer.
The is just what we needed to hold us over until we get Murderous Matrimony in our hands. It will be available for Kindle in November 2013. I can’t wait!
Wanda is found dead in her shower, her skin a lovely blue shade of color and all the evidence of her murder leads directly back to Jessie. So now instead of finalizing the plans for her upcoming wedding Jessie is trying to track down the real killer. She even has a sidekick, Wanda in all her blue ghostly self is following Jessie everywhere.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This was a week of fabulously funny reading. This book was almost side-splitting!! I was laughing so hard at Wanda’s ghostly antics my family came in to see what was so funny.
Jim and Joyce write amazing books and you could never tell it was two people writing the stories. They flow perfectly with no breaks in the story at all. They also create sensational characters. In this short story the interplay between Jessie and Wanda is wonderful. Many of our favorites from the series pop in here and there. The King and Queen make a major announcement and Chase is running around trying to do his part of the wedding plans while trying to help the police catch Wanda’s killer.
The is just what we needed to hold us over until we get Murderous Matrimony in our hands. It will be available for Kindle in November 2013. I can’t wait!
August 25, 2013
Jessie Morton had pulled the perfect revenge prank on Wanda LeFey. A blue dye pack in Wanda's shower head! That would teach her to glue Jessie's dress to a chair while Jessie was still in it. And finding Wanda blue in her cottage should have been a thrill and it would have been if Wanda hadn't been dead! As the prime suspect, Jessie set outs to find Wanda's killer. Little did she know she would be aided but Wanda's blue ghost!
This novella in the Renaissance Faire Mysteries is a wonderful addition to a great series. The unlikely team of Jessie and Wanda is hysterical. As with the other books in this series there are lots of insights into the workings and fun of a Ren Faire.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a great flow. I never guessed the killer so the reveal was a nice surprise!
Makes me want to go visit my local Ren Faire again this year.
PERLIOUS PRANKS is a great way to keep readers happy until the release of the next full length novel in the Renaissance Faire Mysteries, MURDEROUS MATRIMONY in November 2013.
This novella in the Renaissance Faire Mysteries is a wonderful addition to a great series. The unlikely team of Jessie and Wanda is hysterical. As with the other books in this series there are lots of insights into the workings and fun of a Ren Faire.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a great flow. I never guessed the killer so the reveal was a nice surprise!
Makes me want to go visit my local Ren Faire again this year.
PERLIOUS PRANKS is a great way to keep readers happy until the release of the next full length novel in the Renaissance Faire Mysteries, MURDEROUS MATRIMONY in November 2013.
August 25, 2013
Jessie Morton had pulled the perfect revenge prank on Wanda LeFey. A blue dye pack in Wanda's shower head! That would teach her to glue Jessie's dress to a chair while Jessie was still in it. And finding Wanda blue in her cottage should have been a thrill and it would have been if Wanda hadn't been dead! As the prime suspect, Jessie set outs to find Wanda's killer. Little did she know she would be aided but Wanda's blue ghost!
This novella in the Renaissance Faire Mysteries is a wonderful addition to a great series. The unlikely team of Jessie and Wanda is hysterical. As with the other books in this series there are lots of insights into the workings and fun of a Ren Faire.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a great flow. I never guessed the killer so the reveal was a nice surprise!
Makes me want to go visit my local Ren Faire again this year.
PERLIOUS PRANKS is a great way to keep readers happy until the release of the next full length novel in the Renaissance Faire Mysteries, MURDEROUS MATRIMONY in November 2013.
This novella in the Renaissance Faire Mysteries is a wonderful addition to a great series. The unlikely team of Jessie and Wanda is hysterical. As with the other books in this series there are lots of insights into the workings and fun of a Ren Faire.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a great flow. I never guessed the killer so the reveal was a nice surprise!
Makes me want to go visit my local Ren Faire again this year.
PERLIOUS PRANKS is a great way to keep readers happy until the release of the next full length novel in the Renaissance Faire Mysteries, MURDEROUS MATRIMONY in November 2013.
August 15, 2013
Jessie loves working at the Renaissance Faire, in the past apprenticing each year to a different merchant. But this year she has a full time position as director of the museum. Between this and her upcoming wedding in thirty days to the incredibly sexy Chase, life is wonderful. She even has fun planning her revenge prank to turn her arch-enemy, Wanda, blue. Fun until she finds Wanda's blue dead body in the shower and she becomes the prime suspect in Wanda's murder. Can she find the real killer before she herself is arrested? During her efforts to quickly solve this murder, she gets some unexpected and unwanted help from a unique source. The characters and events in this series are very colorful and lots of fun, even when murder is involved. Looking forward to the next adventure hopefully of the upcoming nuptials. Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.
August 10, 2020
What the heck?
I love this series but I don’t get the sudden Ghost introduction. And it seems like it’s in the next book.
I love this series but I don’t get the sudden Ghost introduction. And it seems like it’s in the next book.
August 22, 2013
Perilous Pranks, a Renaissance Faire Mystery by Joyce and Jim Lavene
Perilous Pranks is a novella about the Renaissance Faire. To quote Jessie Morton, “Wanda Le Fey was dead. In the immortal words of Charles Dickens: “There can be no doubt about that.”” Jessie was guilty of dyeing Wanda blue as payback for Wanda gluing her to a chair at the Lady of the Lake Tavern, but not murder. The authors Joyce and Jim Lavene will take you on a hilarious search for the killer while the ghost of Wanda causes havoc every where she goes. This novella is a speedy read with eccentric characters with surprises around every corner. I have never been to a Renaissance Faire but after reading this book I can not wait to attend one. It will be hard to wait for Murderous Matrimony the next book in the Renaissance Faire Mystery series coming in November 2013.
Perilous Pranks is a novella about the Renaissance Faire. To quote Jessie Morton, “Wanda Le Fey was dead. In the immortal words of Charles Dickens: “There can be no doubt about that.”” Jessie was guilty of dyeing Wanda blue as payback for Wanda gluing her to a chair at the Lady of the Lake Tavern, but not murder. The authors Joyce and Jim Lavene will take you on a hilarious search for the killer while the ghost of Wanda causes havoc every where she goes. This novella is a speedy read with eccentric characters with surprises around every corner. I have never been to a Renaissance Faire but after reading this book I can not wait to attend one. It will be hard to wait for Murderous Matrimony the next book in the Renaissance Faire Mystery series coming in November 2013.
December 27, 2014
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
August 15, 2013
The Lavenes have done it again! In this pre-sequel to Chase and Jessie's wedding, Jessie decides that she needs to solve the murder of her nemesis, Wanda, before any wedding tasks can be done. Once again meeting old friends at the Faire, and discovering new ones, this fast paced tale takes us through the village as Jessie follows the clues to Wanda's death. Chase and Jessie receive a wonderful wedding gift from the King and Queen, but I'm not telling, this is something you will have to discover for yourself!
I am so happy to have been asked to read and review this book for the Lavenes. I can hardly wait for the wedding, which I'm sure we will all be invited to, see you there!
I am so happy to have been asked to read and review this book for the Lavenes. I can hardly wait for the wedding, which I'm sure we will all be invited to, see you there!
December 16, 2014
This is a short novella on my Kindle. It is also part of a series. The story takes place at a Renassiance Faire in SC. The main character, Jessie, has played a prank on her arch enemy Wanda. She plants some dye in Wanda's shower, and plans to turn her blue. Which she does. But someone else just happens to kill Wanda with a sword as she is finishing her shower. Naturally, Jessie is the main suspect. And, an unpleasant side effect of Wanda's death is that Jessie now has a blue-tinted ghost nagging her to find out who did murder her, as the ghost can't remember!
February 12, 2014
This was a short little read to tide me over till I can read the next book in the series, which I already own but have to wait to read it for just a little longer. I loved the prank that was pulled and how in the end it helped nab the killer. The blue naked ghost was hilarious and had me laughing through the whole thing!
August 30, 2013
I just finishes this wonderful, enchanting book. It has mystery, love and all set at the Renaissance Faire.
The Characters are great, the story line to die for,lol.
I really recommend this book .
I know I'll be reading the next book.
The Characters are great, the story line to die for,lol.
I really recommend this book .
I know I'll be reading the next book.
July 21, 2016
Another fun installment in this series of life lived in a Renaissance Faire. I think i would love to live there myself. I especially enjoyed the "prank" in this one. What a great idea although I am sure I would not like to think of the return prank that would be played.
January 9, 2016
Bizarre story that had some interesting elements but wasn't much of a mystery.
December 2, 2013
OK novella but I found the supernatural part (the appearance of the murdered woman's ghost) rather silly & detracted from the overall story.
November 6, 2014
Once again Lady Jessie finds herself trying to find a killer. This time she has an annoying "partner".
A quick read but just as good as all the other books in this series.
A quick read but just as good as all the other books in this series.
August 2, 2014
A prank gone wrong, and you're stuck with a naked blue ghost haunting you. Jessie has to find out who killed Wanda to get rid of Wanda's ghost.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews