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Isobel Spice #2
Bad Publicity
In the world of PR, there’s only one crime worse than killing a deal—killing a client.
Aspiring actress and office temp Isobel Spice finds a warm welcome at Dove & Flight Public Relations, thanks to her old school friend Katrina Campbell. However, the atmosphere chills considerably when Isobel unwittingly serves an important client a deadly dose of poisoned coffee. Her stalwart temp agent, James Cooke, rushes to her aid, but balks when he learns that the victim was the fraternity brother who got him expelled from college. News that Dove & Flight is being acquired by an international conglomerate quickly supplants the murder as the hot topic of office gossip, but Isobel is convinced the two events are related. When all roads of inquiry lead back to Katrina, Isobel is forced to consider the possibility that her friend’s killer instincts go beyond public relations.
Please note: this is a cozy mystery with an edge; contains some adult language.
Aspiring actress and office temp Isobel Spice finds a warm welcome at Dove & Flight Public Relations, thanks to her old school friend Katrina Campbell. However, the atmosphere chills considerably when Isobel unwittingly serves an important client a deadly dose of poisoned coffee. Her stalwart temp agent, James Cooke, rushes to her aid, but balks when he learns that the victim was the fraternity brother who got him expelled from college. News that Dove & Flight is being acquired by an international conglomerate quickly supplants the murder as the hot topic of office gossip, but Isobel is convinced the two events are related. When all roads of inquiry lead back to Katrina, Isobel is forced to consider the possibility that her friend’s killer instincts go beyond public relations.
Please note: this is a cozy mystery with an edge; contains some adult language.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2013
About the author
Joanne Sydney Lessner
6 books42 followersWriter, singer, and actor Joanne Sydney Lessner draws on her own experiences pursuing a performing career in New York City for her acclaimed Isobel Spice Mysteries: THE TEMPORARY DETECTIVE, BAD PUBLICITY, AND JUSTICE FOR SOME, and OFFED STAGE LEFT. With humor and a bit of romance, Isobel juggles auditions and temp jobs, solving murders along the way, while Joanne’s inside knowledge provides a window into the realities of breaking into show business (as well as a forum to share every humiliating audition experience she and her friends ever had.)
Joanne’s debut novel, PANDORA’S BOTTLE, was inspired by the true story of the world's most expensive bottle of wine and was named one of the top five books of 2010 by Paperback Dolls. With her husband, composer/conductor Joshua Rosenblum, she has co-authored several musicals, including the cult hit FERMAT'S LAST TANGO and EINSTEIN'S DREAMS, based on the celebrated novel by Alan Lightman. Her play, CRITICAL MASS, received its Off Broadway premiere in October 2010. Joanne is also a regular contributor to OPERA NEWS and a graduate of Yale University.
For a free Isobel Spice short story, visit http://joannesydneylessner.com.
Joanne’s debut novel, PANDORA’S BOTTLE, was inspired by the true story of the world's most expensive bottle of wine and was named one of the top five books of 2010 by Paperback Dolls. With her husband, composer/conductor Joshua Rosenblum, she has co-authored several musicals, including the cult hit FERMAT'S LAST TANGO and EINSTEIN'S DREAMS, based on the celebrated novel by Alan Lightman. Her play, CRITICAL MASS, received its Off Broadway premiere in October 2010. Joanne is also a regular contributor to OPERA NEWS and a graduate of Yale University.
For a free Isobel Spice short story, visit http://joannesydneylessner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 26, 2013
Only so-so compared to the first in the series (Temporary Detective). It felt a bit rushed--starting without warming us up to Isobel and what she's about, orienting us to her latest assignment. Readers who haven't read the first book may be at a loss figuring her out as a protagonist. Other than that, it's okay--good job on the office politics, Isobel's theater auditions, etc. Although I liked the corporate intrigue of the storyline, this didn't hold together as well as the first one or Pandora's Bottle for that matter.
August 29, 2013
Excellent!!! The perfect "Whodunit." Usually, I figure it out too soon and then have to wait several chapters for the protagonist to catch up. This time, I didn't figure it out until the exact moment that she did.
December 18, 2013
ok book but probably won't read others by this author unless I'm really bored.
January 11, 2015
A 2.5. Another story about a girl playing detective who knows more than the police.
May 4, 2017
It was a good read. A lot going on which kept my interest but it was slow in the beginning. The female characters were strong and intelligent which I liked. The ending was good and set you up for the next installment.
September 4, 2017
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
April 7, 2021
Loved it. I didnt expect it who dun it. I sure will reread soon.
October 26, 2021
Enjoyed Bad Publicity, didn't see the ending the way it did.
April 14, 2013
Quirky, hapless aspiring actress Isobel Spice returns this month in Joanne Sydney Lessner's latest murderous romp, Bad Publicity. The second novel in Lessner's Temporary Detective series, Bad Publicity finds would-be actress Isobel Spice once again in the middle of a murder investigation, this time when she's temping at Dove & Flight Public Relations-- a job she got through an old school friend who is soon a central suspect in the investigation. Isobel, of course, is the first to find the victim's body-- and the last to serve the man coffee, which she immediately fears may have been poisoned.
From there, it's a natural leap for Isobel to begin her own investigation into the murder, which in short order leads to a second suspicious death. Meanwhile, Isobel's boss-- and as-yet-unspoken romantic interest -- James Cook, struggles with sobriety, his growing attraction to Isobel, and no small number of demons when it becomes clear that he had his own reasons for wanting the first murder victim dead.
There is, of course, a subplot involving Isobel's quest for footing in her career on the stage, as well as a budding romance with a British composer and no shortage of winning asides between Isobel and her fellow acting pals, Sunil and Delphi. In other words? There's a lot going on in this novel. Author Lessner balances the plots and subplots with aplomb. Bad Publicity maintains the humor, quirks, and well-paced mystery that defined The Temporary Detective (the first novel in the series), while simultaneously deepening our understanding of Isobel and James as characters. Lessner does a wonderful job of keeping Isobel's quirks and occasionally hapless appeal, but this time out clearly demonstrates the aspiring actress's competence in both the theatre and the secretarial pool.
At the same time, the storyline featuring James as he continues to struggle with his sobriety and the challenge of determining the man he wants to be sans alcohol is once again a surprisingly realistic, dark portrait of that journey. The tenuous friendship between Isobel and James is charged with sexual tension, but Lessner writes both characters with such a deft hand that I frequently find myself torn between cheering for these two to get together, and just wanting James to get himself on an even keel enough to move forward with his own life first. It's a testament to any author when they're able to create characters so compelling that the reader becomes actively invested in their well-being, and Lessner has done that in spades.
The mystery itself in Bad Publicity has a number of unexpected twists, and managed to keep me guessing until the end. Cozies are not generally my genre of choice, but Lessner's brand of cozy is another animal entirely: one driven by intriguing, frequently complex characters, whip-smart dialogue, captivating romance, great pacing, and a mystery that will have you flummoxed until the end. A novel that will appeal to fans of both the traditional cozy and mysteries with more weight, Bad Publicity is definitely one that mystery fans won't want to miss.
From there, it's a natural leap for Isobel to begin her own investigation into the murder, which in short order leads to a second suspicious death. Meanwhile, Isobel's boss-- and as-yet-unspoken romantic interest -- James Cook, struggles with sobriety, his growing attraction to Isobel, and no small number of demons when it becomes clear that he had his own reasons for wanting the first murder victim dead.
There is, of course, a subplot involving Isobel's quest for footing in her career on the stage, as well as a budding romance with a British composer and no shortage of winning asides between Isobel and her fellow acting pals, Sunil and Delphi. In other words? There's a lot going on in this novel. Author Lessner balances the plots and subplots with aplomb. Bad Publicity maintains the humor, quirks, and well-paced mystery that defined The Temporary Detective (the first novel in the series), while simultaneously deepening our understanding of Isobel and James as characters. Lessner does a wonderful job of keeping Isobel's quirks and occasionally hapless appeal, but this time out clearly demonstrates the aspiring actress's competence in both the theatre and the secretarial pool.
At the same time, the storyline featuring James as he continues to struggle with his sobriety and the challenge of determining the man he wants to be sans alcohol is once again a surprisingly realistic, dark portrait of that journey. The tenuous friendship between Isobel and James is charged with sexual tension, but Lessner writes both characters with such a deft hand that I frequently find myself torn between cheering for these two to get together, and just wanting James to get himself on an even keel enough to move forward with his own life first. It's a testament to any author when they're able to create characters so compelling that the reader becomes actively invested in their well-being, and Lessner has done that in spades.
The mystery itself in Bad Publicity has a number of unexpected twists, and managed to keep me guessing until the end. Cozies are not generally my genre of choice, but Lessner's brand of cozy is another animal entirely: one driven by intriguing, frequently complex characters, whip-smart dialogue, captivating romance, great pacing, and a mystery that will have you flummoxed until the end. A novel that will appeal to fans of both the traditional cozy and mysteries with more weight, Bad Publicity is definitely one that mystery fans won't want to miss.
December 11, 2013
Review originally posted: Traveling With T
Title: Bad Publicity
Author: Joanne Sydney Lesser
Series: Isobel Spice Mysteries
Publisher: Dulcet Press
ISBN: 978-0615777412
Source: Cozy Mystery Reviews
Isobel Spice wants to be an actress- but without a steady gig; she knows she has to have other employment (rent, groceries, and other essentials aren’t going to happen without a steady flow of cash, y’know?) So, Isobel has found the perfect solution- she’s an office temp! Able to still have time to go to auditions- and yet keep a flow of cash coming in her life! Except- maybe being a temp is not the best for Isobel as trouble seems to follow her in these temp jobs. While Isobel is working at Dove and Flight Public Relations, she finds a body- and since he was very alive when she served him coffee- Isobel is understandably nervous.
To add to her confusion, James, her temp agent- knows the deceased and does not have fond memories. James tries to talk her out of looking into into the death- but is he looking out for Isobel or wanting to protect himself? Isobel continues to be a temp at Dove and Flight and soon learns that there is no shortage of suspects- each person potentially had their own reason to see Jason die- and with the shake-ups happening at Dove and Flight, someone may have the best reason.
Isobel knows she must find out what is happening at Dove and Flight- not only for her; but because someone is willing to play dirty in the world of public relations.
Blogger’s thoughts:
This is my first Isobel Spice mystery. While it is the 2nd in the series, you do not have to read the first in order to appreciate Bad Publicity. While this is a “cozy” be aware that there is stronger language than in most. This is not your average cookie/coffeeshop/knitter/older lady cozy- this is more Stephanie Plum style! For me, not a problem- but for some,potentially.
The characters are interesting, Isobel is funny- and there is some romance in this series. Also, Shakespeare references- if you like that sort of thing. Overall, if you are looking for a book- maybe one a little “Spice”-ier (hee hee), then you should try Bad Publicity.
Want to win a Kindle copy of Bad Publicity? Comment on my blog (leave your email address, please- you may use the AT and DOT to help prevent spam) or any of the other blogs participating in this tour (HERE is the list!) Good luck! Contest ends 11:59 PM EST May 27. Winners will be contacted by email shortly after.
* Bad Publicity was provided to through Cozy Mystery Reviews. All above opinions and thoughts are mine alone. Giveaway is being sponsored by Cozy Mystery Reviews and not Traveling With T.
Title: Bad Publicity
Author: Joanne Sydney Lesser
Series: Isobel Spice Mysteries
Publisher: Dulcet Press
ISBN: 978-0615777412
Source: Cozy Mystery Reviews
Isobel Spice wants to be an actress- but without a steady gig; she knows she has to have other employment (rent, groceries, and other essentials aren’t going to happen without a steady flow of cash, y’know?) So, Isobel has found the perfect solution- she’s an office temp! Able to still have time to go to auditions- and yet keep a flow of cash coming in her life! Except- maybe being a temp is not the best for Isobel as trouble seems to follow her in these temp jobs. While Isobel is working at Dove and Flight Public Relations, she finds a body- and since he was very alive when she served him coffee- Isobel is understandably nervous.
To add to her confusion, James, her temp agent- knows the deceased and does not have fond memories. James tries to talk her out of looking into into the death- but is he looking out for Isobel or wanting to protect himself? Isobel continues to be a temp at Dove and Flight and soon learns that there is no shortage of suspects- each person potentially had their own reason to see Jason die- and with the shake-ups happening at Dove and Flight, someone may have the best reason.
Isobel knows she must find out what is happening at Dove and Flight- not only for her; but because someone is willing to play dirty in the world of public relations.
Blogger’s thoughts:
This is my first Isobel Spice mystery. While it is the 2nd in the series, you do not have to read the first in order to appreciate Bad Publicity. While this is a “cozy” be aware that there is stronger language than in most. This is not your average cookie/coffeeshop/knitter/older lady cozy- this is more Stephanie Plum style! For me, not a problem- but for some,potentially.
The characters are interesting, Isobel is funny- and there is some romance in this series. Also, Shakespeare references- if you like that sort of thing. Overall, if you are looking for a book- maybe one a little “Spice”-ier (hee hee), then you should try Bad Publicity.
Want to win a Kindle copy of Bad Publicity? Comment on my blog (leave your email address, please- you may use the AT and DOT to help prevent spam) or any of the other blogs participating in this tour (HERE is the list!) Good luck! Contest ends 11:59 PM EST May 27. Winners will be contacted by email shortly after.
* Bad Publicity was provided to through Cozy Mystery Reviews. All above opinions and thoughts are mine alone. Giveaway is being sponsored by Cozy Mystery Reviews and not Traveling With T.
May 26, 2013
In the world of PR it’s a kill or be killed atmosphere, but when a client really is murdered the saying takes on a whole new meaning.
Aspiring actress Isobel Spice is working as an office temp at Dove and Flight Public Relations, thanks to her old school friend Katrina Campbell. But when Isobel unknowingly serves a very important client poisoned coffee, things change drastically. The client is one that Katrina has had disagreements with making her a suspect.
When Isobel’s boss, James Cooke, rushes to her aid upon discovering the dead man, it’s learned he too has a connection to the victim. It seems he was the fraternity brother that got James expelled from college. Add into the mix that Dove and Flight is being acquired by an international conglomerate and there quickly becomes more twists and turns with plausible suspects.
Meanwhile, Isobel must consider the possibility that her friend could be the killer as she tries to unravel the tangled mess of suspects and motives.
Protagonist Isobel Spice is a zany and fun character that would be a pleasure to know in real life. Author Joanne Sydney Lessner has given her traits and qualities that make her likable and realistic. Lessner has also included well-developed secondary characters to make for a well-balanced story.
The pace of the story moves smoothly and quickly keeping the reader’s interest from the beginning until the end. The suspense has readers guessing who the real killer is and why. Lessner adds a good mixture of humor and romance to tie the story together.
BAD PUBLICITY is the second installment in the Isobel Spice Mystery Series, but can be read alone. There are numerous references to events from the first installment, THE TEMPORARY DETECTIVE, but new readers to the series aren’t left in the dark by gaps in the storyline.
This is a fun read with an amateur sleuth that will have you smiling as she goes about finding the killer.
FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of the author’s virtual book tour. An eBook copy of the book was sent to me by the tour promoter in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Aspiring actress Isobel Spice is working as an office temp at Dove and Flight Public Relations, thanks to her old school friend Katrina Campbell. But when Isobel unknowingly serves a very important client poisoned coffee, things change drastically. The client is one that Katrina has had disagreements with making her a suspect.
When Isobel’s boss, James Cooke, rushes to her aid upon discovering the dead man, it’s learned he too has a connection to the victim. It seems he was the fraternity brother that got James expelled from college. Add into the mix that Dove and Flight is being acquired by an international conglomerate and there quickly becomes more twists and turns with plausible suspects.
Meanwhile, Isobel must consider the possibility that her friend could be the killer as she tries to unravel the tangled mess of suspects and motives.
Protagonist Isobel Spice is a zany and fun character that would be a pleasure to know in real life. Author Joanne Sydney Lessner has given her traits and qualities that make her likable and realistic. Lessner has also included well-developed secondary characters to make for a well-balanced story.
The pace of the story moves smoothly and quickly keeping the reader’s interest from the beginning until the end. The suspense has readers guessing who the real killer is and why. Lessner adds a good mixture of humor and romance to tie the story together.
BAD PUBLICITY is the second installment in the Isobel Spice Mystery Series, but can be read alone. There are numerous references to events from the first installment, THE TEMPORARY DETECTIVE, but new readers to the series aren’t left in the dark by gaps in the storyline.
This is a fun read with an amateur sleuth that will have you smiling as she goes about finding the killer.
FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book as part of the author’s virtual book tour. An eBook copy of the book was sent to me by the tour promoter in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
May 28, 2013
What are the odds Isabel would find another dead body on another temp job? Hmm...the odds must have been higher than Isobel thought. This time, a friend from college helped her land a position at Dove & Flight Public Relations Agency, and everything is going great until she finds a client dead in the conference room. Since Isobel was the one who served him coffee, and he doesn't appear to have died of natural causes, she decides it's in her best interest to find the killer.
The second installment in Lessner's Isobel Spice Mysteries series, this novel is sure to please current fans and bring on new ones. Isobel and her friends are all delightfully quirky, adding humor to a murder mystery. Thanks to Isobel's attraction to two different men at once, there is plenty of romantic tension to add to the story. I am happy to say that the mystery is not quickly solved by the reader (or at least not this one), so I only began to figure things out in the last few pages and did not guess all the details on my own.
While this novel feels like a cozy mystery, the strong language could surprise some cozy mystery readers. But if it does not offend you, it's a really fun novel and I look forward to more of Isobel's adventures.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Cozy Mystery book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The second installment in Lessner's Isobel Spice Mysteries series, this novel is sure to please current fans and bring on new ones. Isobel and her friends are all delightfully quirky, adding humor to a murder mystery. Thanks to Isobel's attraction to two different men at once, there is plenty of romantic tension to add to the story. I am happy to say that the mystery is not quickly solved by the reader (or at least not this one), so I only began to figure things out in the last few pages and did not guess all the details on my own.
While this novel feels like a cozy mystery, the strong language could surprise some cozy mystery readers. But if it does not offend you, it's a really fun novel and I look forward to more of Isobel's adventures.
5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Cozy Mystery book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 20, 2014
This is the second book in the Isobel Spice Series by Joanne Sydney Lessner. This story takes place approximately 4 months after the ending of the first book and opens with Isobel finding a man dead in the conference room of her current temp job at the PR firm of Dove & Flight. At first Isobel is concerned that the coffee that she had served him was poisoned, but then it appears that Jason Whiteley, a fit 28 year old, has had a heart attack. Of course, Isobel later finds out that the heart attack was helped along by via medications. When another life is claimed at the PR firm and a corporate merger is threatened, Isobel's instincts tell her that she needs to figure out what is going on - and fast.
I was so thrilled that this book was even better than the last. I really enjoy seeing things from Isobel's temp agent, James Cooke's perspective as well as her own. The way that Isobel and James each gather information that leads to catching the killer is unique and so very interesting. Plus, Isobel has the possibility of a romance in this book. It was totally not what I wanted for her, but things get complicated and the budding romance is put on hold. Also, the return of some of the secondary characters from the first book were a welcome addition. Isobel getting to meet Jayla, James' ex, face to face was priceless. The pacing continues to be spot on and move smoothly from scene to scene. I missed Isobel's younger brother Percival, though he did get a mention. Hopefully we will see more of him in the next book.
I am giving this book 4 stars on Goodreads. This is a good solid follow up to a great first novel. I can't wait to see what book 3 brings.
I was so thrilled that this book was even better than the last. I really enjoy seeing things from Isobel's temp agent, James Cooke's perspective as well as her own. The way that Isobel and James each gather information that leads to catching the killer is unique and so very interesting. Plus, Isobel has the possibility of a romance in this book. It was totally not what I wanted for her, but things get complicated and the budding romance is put on hold. Also, the return of some of the secondary characters from the first book were a welcome addition. Isobel getting to meet Jayla, James' ex, face to face was priceless. The pacing continues to be spot on and move smoothly from scene to scene. I missed Isobel's younger brother Percival, though he did get a mention. Hopefully we will see more of him in the next book.
I am giving this book 4 stars on Goodreads. This is a good solid follow up to a great first novel. I can't wait to see what book 3 brings.
September 17, 2014
Book 2 of this series finds our heroine, aspiring actress/temp employee/amateur detective Isobel Spice working in a PR firm with an old school friend. Isobel serves an important client a deadly cup of coffee. Her boss comes to her aid, but may end up being a suspect since he has a personal connection to the recently deceased. And her friend may have had a connection to the dead guy as well. Concurrent to the murder, the PR firm is being acquired by a larger firm, so Isobel has to deal with office politics as well as finding out the real killer.
This was a light, easy read. The subplot about Isobel’s acting career is always interesting, and there were some intriguing elements – the will-they-or-won’t-they between Isobel and her African American boss; a possible relationship with a handsome British composer who hires her to perform some of his music; and the continued sobriety of Isobel’s boss.
I saw a note on Amazon indicating “this is a cozy mystery with an edge; contains some adult language.” It’s been a few weeks since I’ve read this, but I don’t recall anything that would rate that kind of a note. I just recall witty dialogue, complex characters and an interesting storyline.
This was a light, easy read. The subplot about Isobel’s acting career is always interesting, and there were some intriguing elements – the will-they-or-won’t-they between Isobel and her African American boss; a possible relationship with a handsome British composer who hires her to perform some of his music; and the continued sobriety of Isobel’s boss.
I saw a note on Amazon indicating “this is a cozy mystery with an edge; contains some adult language.” It’s been a few weeks since I’ve read this, but I don’t recall anything that would rate that kind of a note. I just recall witty dialogue, complex characters and an interesting storyline.
May 31, 2013
Joanne Sydney Lessner delivers another well-written story with her latest Isobel Spice murder mystery. She’s a kind of a modern day, American and younger version of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple. Isobel a likeable character and the story is very entertaining. It’s well paced and has a strong plot with the kind of surprises one expects in a mystery. It also has a romantic element that is very well done.
I enjoyed meeting Isobel and James again, and the dramatic tension in their relationship was true to form from the first in the series. What I loved most about the book is how Lessner weaves James’s past into the story and how the culmination of the story healed an old wound. Jame’s struggles were in many ways the real guts of this story. The end was excellent, completely unexpected, very dramatic and very satisfying.
This is the second Isobel Spice book I’ve read and the third one written by Joanne Sydney Lessner . All her books are guaranteed good reads, but I have to admit that Bad Publicity isn’t my favourite. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an excellent book, it just didn’t have the cleverness of Pandora’s Bottle or the pizzaz of the Temporary Detective.
I enjoyed meeting Isobel and James again, and the dramatic tension in their relationship was true to form from the first in the series. What I loved most about the book is how Lessner weaves James’s past into the story and how the culmination of the story healed an old wound. Jame’s struggles were in many ways the real guts of this story. The end was excellent, completely unexpected, very dramatic and very satisfying.
This is the second Isobel Spice book I’ve read and the third one written by Joanne Sydney Lessner . All her books are guaranteed good reads, but I have to admit that Bad Publicity isn’t my favourite. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an excellent book, it just didn’t have the cleverness of Pandora’s Bottle or the pizzaz of the Temporary Detective.
April 13, 2013
I really enjoyed being back in the zany world of aspiring actress and office temp Isobel Spice, along with her friends Delphi and Sunil. As she did in The Temporary Detective, the first book in this series, Isobel fits beautifully into the melodramatic social scene at her temporary work place. Almost every character at the Dove and Flight PR agency manages to give Isobel some reason to believe that he or she could be the murderer; instead of being spooked into quitting her temp job in such a dangerous environment, Isobel maintains her spunk and insatiable curiosity until the end and ultimately figures out whodunnit. I look forward to the third book in the series.
What do we call this type of mystery novel, in which the amateur detective throws herself wholeheartedly into solving violent crimes but remains funny, optimistic, and likable? Having looked around and not found an established term, I suggest "comic cozy."
What do we call this type of mystery novel, in which the amateur detective throws herself wholeheartedly into solving violent crimes but remains funny, optimistic, and likable? Having looked around and not found an established term, I suggest "comic cozy."
October 6, 2013
This is the second in the Isobel Spice series. Isobel is a temp worker and with the help of the manager of the temp agency (James) and an old friend from college (Katrina), she lands a cushy temp job at Dove & Flight assisting where ever she is needed. The position is great because she is an aspiring actress. Problem is, she happens to serve coffee to an important client and key person in a potential merger and he is suddenly dead. Second problem is that her friend Katrina wasn't in favor of the deal that client was selling and it looks like she may be the killer. Isobel is likeable and her relationships have a good measure of tension, along with a touch of romance. Although Isobel works to eliminate possible guilty parties, the who-done-it isn't obvious. Add in a bit of romance...
September 1, 2013
Snappy, short murder mystery staring Isobel Spice as a temp worker/aspiring actress with a habit of finding dead bodies. I liked how complicated and interwoven the clues were. It kept me guessing until the end. At times, the Shakespeare quotes got tedious, but that fits the character's world and the author's. Worth reading.
January 16, 2014
I like this one better than the first because Isobel has become a more mature character. She isn't as flighty and silly as in the first one; she's grown up. I would have given this five stars but the James character is still a bit juvenile. Hopefully he will mature in the next one, which I am looking forward to reading.
August 1, 2022
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include BAD PUBLICITY An Isobel Spice Mystery Book 2) by JOANNE SYDNEY LESSNER in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
AIBA Book of the Week: 1 August, 2022: 136/41377
AIBA Book of the Day: 7 July, 2021: 136/41377
AIBA Book of the Week: 1 August, 2022: 136/41377
AIBA Book of the Day: 7 July, 2021: 136/41377
June 16, 2013
It's always a pleasure and a relief when the second book in a cozy series is as good as the first. Bad Publicity was a fun read ~ it's nice to see Isobel and James again and follow them as they search for answers. I hope book #3 is in the works.
August 19, 2013
I liked this one too. I wish there were more.
December 28, 2015
This book trumped me in the suspense department. It was simple, no fuss, no big entry or statement. Just simple and intriguing.
September 1, 2016
Sometimes I enjoy reading a quick, breezy, not really gory, mystery. This was one of those books. I'm glad it's a series because I look forward to more of Isobel Spice's adventures!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews