What do you think?
Rate this book
A Ronnie Lake Mystery #1
Stunner: A Ronnie Lake Mystery
Beautiful. Bright. And possibly, deadly...
This is all Ronnie Lake knows about her potential sister-in-law, Julianna. But she’s determined to find out the truth about her wealthy brother’s new lover before he throws away his happiness, fortune, and quite possibly, his life. Who is this mysterious woman with two lives–and how deep does her deception go?
As a divorced, downsized, 50-something, Ronnie finds herself becoming an “accidental detective” in order to get to the bottom of things. There are unexplained hang-ups when the phone rings. A disturbing package and sketchy characters appear at her wealthy family’s estate outside New York City. It all pushes Ronnie to step out of her privileged life and into a sinister world where people will do just about anything to escape their past. Is Julianna the most desperate of them all?
Stunner is available as a paperback or an eBook exclusively on Amazon.
This is all Ronnie Lake knows about her potential sister-in-law, Julianna. But she’s determined to find out the truth about her wealthy brother’s new lover before he throws away his happiness, fortune, and quite possibly, his life. Who is this mysterious woman with two lives–and how deep does her deception go?
As a divorced, downsized, 50-something, Ronnie finds herself becoming an “accidental detective” in order to get to the bottom of things. There are unexplained hang-ups when the phone rings. A disturbing package and sketchy characters appear at her wealthy family’s estate outside New York City. It all pushes Ronnie to step out of her privileged life and into a sinister world where people will do just about anything to escape their past. Is Julianna the most desperate of them all?
Stunner is available as a paperback or an eBook exclusively on Amazon.
378 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2013
93 people are currently reading
1106 people want to read
About the author
Niki Danforth
15 books44 followersNiki Danforth, daughter of a Cold War covert intelligence officer, has the "thriller/adventure" gene in her DNA. After a career as a successful TV/video producer and director in New York, this empty-nester is picking up her first love of mystery books and recreating herself as an author in the genre. Danforth lives in the New Jersey countryside with her husband and two drama-queen dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 12, 2016
Ronnie Lake is a divorced 50-something who's learning to be single again. Her children are grown and making their own way in the world. She is really close to her brother, so when her niece calls in a panic, Ronnie goes running.
She is a much younger woman, beautiful, charming, and maybe, just maybe she's dangerous. This is Juliana, the woman her brother has brought home with marriage on his mind.
But when Juliana shows up, strange things begin to happen ... hang up phone calls, a man with tattoos keeps popping up ... and Juliana, herself, is very secretive about her past.
Ronnie is determined to sniff out all the secrets before her brother is dragged into something that may be harmful to his health.
Teaming with Will, a local Private Investigator, Ronnie starts delving into Juliana's past. So who is Juliana and what exactly does she want with this family?
This is a very entertaining book. Ronnie is quite a character. She practices martial arts, she has a unique relationship with Warrier, her German Shepherd, and she's becoming quite attracted to Will, even if he is 15 years younger. She's nosy, head-strong, and doesn't hesitate to jump in the middle of things without thinking first.
The book is very well-written, with plenty of suspense to keep mystery lovers happy. Well-drawn characters.
Many thanks to the author and E-Books For Review who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
She is a much younger woman, beautiful, charming, and maybe, just maybe she's dangerous. This is Juliana, the woman her brother has brought home with marriage on his mind.
But when Juliana shows up, strange things begin to happen ... hang up phone calls, a man with tattoos keeps popping up ... and Juliana, herself, is very secretive about her past.
Ronnie is determined to sniff out all the secrets before her brother is dragged into something that may be harmful to his health.
Teaming with Will, a local Private Investigator, Ronnie starts delving into Juliana's past. So who is Juliana and what exactly does she want with this family?
This is a very entertaining book. Ronnie is quite a character. She practices martial arts, she has a unique relationship with Warrier, her German Shepherd, and she's becoming quite attracted to Will, even if he is 15 years younger. She's nosy, head-strong, and doesn't hesitate to jump in the middle of things without thinking first.
The book is very well-written, with plenty of suspense to keep mystery lovers happy. Well-drawn characters.
Many thanks to the author and E-Books For Review who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
August 13, 2015
I really enjoyed Stunner. It is a fun, light-hearted read despite the mystery of Ronnie’s brother, Frank’s new girlfriend, Juliana. Ronnie, in her mid-fifties, downsized and living alone, with the exception of her dog, Warrior, has already faced losing one brother, Peter, since his wife practically whisked him away and didn’t want much contact with his family. Her other brother, Frank, has not long been made a widower since the death of his wife, Joanie, but now he has a new girlfriend in Juliana who doesn’t appear to have much of a past. Ronnie simply can’t allow her only close sibling to be distanced from her.
The opening scenes of Chapter One instantly grabbed my attention and made me smile as Ronnie is taking an Aikido class. I particularly love how the author has taken small Japanese phrases used in the appropriate manner and explained them to the reader. These little details make reading all the better for reining in the reader.
Being a mystery thriller I did question, after reading the first page, if the author was going to use the Aikido to make Ronnie’s character be an ass-kicking heroine, which would have been unbelievable. However, the author twists the idea on the following page, making it clear that of course being in her fifties, Ronnie is using Aikido as self-defence. The way in which it is written did amuse me; whilst taking control of her opponents power, in mid-stance with the opponent on her back:
“Hold that image! Hey, the decade of my twenties with my body feeling immune to injury was ages ago. So why would I even consider acting like Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan and stack an aggressive attacker onto my fifty-five-year-old aching back? Commmme onnnn.”
Stunner is written in first person from Ronnie’s point of view. The reader soon realises that Ronnie is a flawed character. Although merely looking out for Frank, Ronnie becomes too nosey for her own good, which lands her in a little trouble at times. She pushes herself too far, especially when interrogating those she believes had a connection with Juliana in the past. Instead of keeping it fairly general, she asks too many personal questions that raises suspicion. She is playing detective, and enjoying it, but throws herself in at the deep end without thinking of the consequences. I like this about her. After all, she’s human; we can all open our mouths at times when we wish we hadn’t, and this is something I could easily see myself do. This makes Ronnie’s character believable and really fun to read.
Another amusing moment for me was a thought of Ronnie’s when after following Juliana one day, she witnesses her meet up with a shady, lowlife male who surely can’t be part of beautiful, glamourous Juliana’s past?
“Pretty soon a motorcycle roars up, and a guy with shaggy black hair and a leather jacket shuts down the engine and gets off. He removes the jacket, revealing a torn tee-shirt. His arms are loaded with tattoos all the way down to his wrists. His jeans hang low on his behind creating a sight that only a mother could love…. He…walks into the coffee shop…
…Another thirty minutes go by before Juliana and Mr. Butt-Crack come out the door of the coffee shop.”
However, the light-hearted and fun moments do not always last as Ronnie finds herself in a spot of trouble when she is confronted by him in an alleyway. This scene provides some suspense and tension, which really reminds the reader just how dangerous Ronnie is playing this detective game. She is shaken up a little and is aware of her silly, amateur behaviour.
“What the hell did I think I was doing back there, going into that alley without Warrior? I’m not a professional private eye like Will Benson, just an idiotic, nosy amateur trying to look out for her brother. And an amateur who turned useless when the time came to defend herself. A coward. What happened to all my Aikido? Where was it when I actually needed it?”
Will Benson is an interesting character, being introduced to Ronnie by her Sensei, Isabella, Ronnie realises that one of her opponents in class is a Private Investigator. After explaining her situation to him, Will shows that he is willing to assist where he can. He can sense Ronnie’s eagerness to find out all she can about Juliana, but he is also aware of her lack of experience and dishes out warnings and advice to her where he can. Throughout his involvement the reader can sense a growing friendship and possible relationship between him and Ronnie which provides a nice, warm feel to the story when everything else becomes darker.
Ronnie’s ultimate goal throughout is to find out Juliana’s true identity and past, to ensure that Frank isn’t being played for money, and to ensure that her brother isn’t taken away from her by a woman in the same way that Peter had. However, going behind Frank’s back, checking up on his girlfriend and running the risk of getting found out (or even having to confront him with what she is doing) all run the risk of him never talking to her again. She is treading on ice, but surely Frank is vulnerable after losing Joanie, and maybe he just can’t see the many faces of Juliana? Either way, Ronnie feels she has no choice but to continue with her venture.
The reader can really sense Ronnie’s true meaning for her actions. She genuinely loves her brother and cares for his welfare. When she is made aware of strange happenings with strange phone calls and delivered parcels for Juliana she just can’t stop herself. Her suspicions and curiosity take over. Once she starts and finds herself deeper and deeper, it is hard for her to walk away. She must see it through to the end – even if she runs the risk of losing everything.
Another little treat from this story is the music soundtrack that the author has incorporated into the story. Each song is carefully chosen, fitting the scene perfectly. Some tracks that really stood out to me were ‘Glory Days’ (Bruce Springsteen), ‘Invincible’ (Pat Benatar), ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream’ (Tom Petty), and The Eagles’ ‘Hotel California’.
If you are looking for a mystery with a sense of adventure, but nothing too dark, then Stunner is certainly a story you will enjoy. Written at a nice pace and in a manner that is easy to follow, with a light-hearted sense in parts, any reader will find it a quick and memorable read.
A copy of Stunner (A Ronnie Lake Mystery #1) was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.
The opening scenes of Chapter One instantly grabbed my attention and made me smile as Ronnie is taking an Aikido class. I particularly love how the author has taken small Japanese phrases used in the appropriate manner and explained them to the reader. These little details make reading all the better for reining in the reader.
Being a mystery thriller I did question, after reading the first page, if the author was going to use the Aikido to make Ronnie’s character be an ass-kicking heroine, which would have been unbelievable. However, the author twists the idea on the following page, making it clear that of course being in her fifties, Ronnie is using Aikido as self-defence. The way in which it is written did amuse me; whilst taking control of her opponents power, in mid-stance with the opponent on her back:
“Hold that image! Hey, the decade of my twenties with my body feeling immune to injury was ages ago. So why would I even consider acting like Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan and stack an aggressive attacker onto my fifty-five-year-old aching back? Commmme onnnn.”
Stunner is written in first person from Ronnie’s point of view. The reader soon realises that Ronnie is a flawed character. Although merely looking out for Frank, Ronnie becomes too nosey for her own good, which lands her in a little trouble at times. She pushes herself too far, especially when interrogating those she believes had a connection with Juliana in the past. Instead of keeping it fairly general, she asks too many personal questions that raises suspicion. She is playing detective, and enjoying it, but throws herself in at the deep end without thinking of the consequences. I like this about her. After all, she’s human; we can all open our mouths at times when we wish we hadn’t, and this is something I could easily see myself do. This makes Ronnie’s character believable and really fun to read.
Another amusing moment for me was a thought of Ronnie’s when after following Juliana one day, she witnesses her meet up with a shady, lowlife male who surely can’t be part of beautiful, glamourous Juliana’s past?
“Pretty soon a motorcycle roars up, and a guy with shaggy black hair and a leather jacket shuts down the engine and gets off. He removes the jacket, revealing a torn tee-shirt. His arms are loaded with tattoos all the way down to his wrists. His jeans hang low on his behind creating a sight that only a mother could love…. He…walks into the coffee shop…
…Another thirty minutes go by before Juliana and Mr. Butt-Crack come out the door of the coffee shop.”
However, the light-hearted and fun moments do not always last as Ronnie finds herself in a spot of trouble when she is confronted by him in an alleyway. This scene provides some suspense and tension, which really reminds the reader just how dangerous Ronnie is playing this detective game. She is shaken up a little and is aware of her silly, amateur behaviour.
“What the hell did I think I was doing back there, going into that alley without Warrior? I’m not a professional private eye like Will Benson, just an idiotic, nosy amateur trying to look out for her brother. And an amateur who turned useless when the time came to defend herself. A coward. What happened to all my Aikido? Where was it when I actually needed it?”
Will Benson is an interesting character, being introduced to Ronnie by her Sensei, Isabella, Ronnie realises that one of her opponents in class is a Private Investigator. After explaining her situation to him, Will shows that he is willing to assist where he can. He can sense Ronnie’s eagerness to find out all she can about Juliana, but he is also aware of her lack of experience and dishes out warnings and advice to her where he can. Throughout his involvement the reader can sense a growing friendship and possible relationship between him and Ronnie which provides a nice, warm feel to the story when everything else becomes darker.
Ronnie’s ultimate goal throughout is to find out Juliana’s true identity and past, to ensure that Frank isn’t being played for money, and to ensure that her brother isn’t taken away from her by a woman in the same way that Peter had. However, going behind Frank’s back, checking up on his girlfriend and running the risk of getting found out (or even having to confront him with what she is doing) all run the risk of him never talking to her again. She is treading on ice, but surely Frank is vulnerable after losing Joanie, and maybe he just can’t see the many faces of Juliana? Either way, Ronnie feels she has no choice but to continue with her venture.
The reader can really sense Ronnie’s true meaning for her actions. She genuinely loves her brother and cares for his welfare. When she is made aware of strange happenings with strange phone calls and delivered parcels for Juliana she just can’t stop herself. Her suspicions and curiosity take over. Once she starts and finds herself deeper and deeper, it is hard for her to walk away. She must see it through to the end – even if she runs the risk of losing everything.
Another little treat from this story is the music soundtrack that the author has incorporated into the story. Each song is carefully chosen, fitting the scene perfectly. Some tracks that really stood out to me were ‘Glory Days’ (Bruce Springsteen), ‘Invincible’ (Pat Benatar), ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream’ (Tom Petty), and The Eagles’ ‘Hotel California’.
If you are looking for a mystery with a sense of adventure, but nothing too dark, then Stunner is certainly a story you will enjoy. Written at a nice pace and in a manner that is easy to follow, with a light-hearted sense in parts, any reader will find it a quick and memorable read.
A copy of Stunner (A Ronnie Lake Mystery #1) was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.
November 15, 2013
I'm not generally a mystery fan, but I was looking for something different for some beach reading. Well, gotta say that I tore right through this. There were lots of twists I didn't expect (and I'm usually the one who sees how the movie is gonna end about 10 minutes into it). I loved Ronnie Lake's character: a bad-ass woman of a certain age --very cool. Anyway, I loved it. Can't wait for the next one!
October 5, 2013
I carry on so much about the book covers, you’d think I was in the business, but I’m not a designer, just an appreciator, and this cove is exquisite. Inside the book is told in the first person by Ronnie. I’d call Stunner a casual mystery. It’s not the most edge of your seat thrilling mystery, but it has it’s moments of fun.
August 16, 2015
Good mystery! I would read more from this author.
March 18, 2018
Stunner - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Pampered, wealthy, family-oriented divorcee Ronnie Lake is quick to come to her niece's aid when Laura calls, frantic about the new woman in her recently-widowed father's life and the mystery surrounding her past life. Ronnie hears how young widow Juliana Wentworth has seemingly bewitched Ronnie's older brother Frank with her stunning beauty and intellect - she's pretty good at chess too! However after Laura tells her about a number of 'hang-up' calls and shows a horrific package that has come for Juliana, Ronnie decides to make sure that Frank's new love is not taking advantage of her vulnerable big brother.
What further mystery does the package raise? Who is phoning and threatening Juliana?
Why does Ronnie have 'flashbacks' after seeing Juliana break a heel on her shoe?
Where does Ronnie encounter Bobby Taylor and his sidekicks? Who's Francesca and who's her dad?
When does Ronnie rescue Francesca? How does Ronnie know Will Benson? How does he help?
Niki Danforth's imaginative thriller 'Stunner' really lives up to its title - not only because Juliana is a knockout beauty, but also because of the stunning revelations that keep the eager reader turning pages to the very end. I loved it and you will too - grab your copy today!
Pampered, wealthy, family-oriented divorcee Ronnie Lake is quick to come to her niece's aid when Laura calls, frantic about the new woman in her recently-widowed father's life and the mystery surrounding her past life. Ronnie hears how young widow Juliana Wentworth has seemingly bewitched Ronnie's older brother Frank with her stunning beauty and intellect - she's pretty good at chess too! However after Laura tells her about a number of 'hang-up' calls and shows a horrific package that has come for Juliana, Ronnie decides to make sure that Frank's new love is not taking advantage of her vulnerable big brother.
What further mystery does the package raise? Who is phoning and threatening Juliana?
Why does Ronnie have 'flashbacks' after seeing Juliana break a heel on her shoe?
Where does Ronnie encounter Bobby Taylor and his sidekicks? Who's Francesca and who's her dad?
When does Ronnie rescue Francesca? How does Ronnie know Will Benson? How does he help?
Niki Danforth's imaginative thriller 'Stunner' really lives up to its title - not only because Juliana is a knockout beauty, but also because of the stunning revelations that keep the eager reader turning pages to the very end. I loved it and you will too - grab your copy today!
July 16, 2016
Disturbing things begin to happen when Frank brings his girlfriend, Juliana, home to meet the family. Ronnie is determined to protect her brother and find out what is going on. With the help of P.I., Will, she begins to look into Juliana’s background.
The story was told well, from Ronnie’s point of view. I would have loved a little more development of some of the characters. I liked Ronnie. She had her strengths and her flaws. She was nosey and would mess things up sometimes as she interviewed people, but her heart was in the right place. Warrior, her dog and almost constant companion, was a great addition to the story. Loved him!
I figured a lot of things out. More pieces kept being added, but usually I could see where they fit in pretty quickly. There were a few things that kept me guessing. There was quite a bit of swearing, especially in the last few chapters, which I could have done without. Overall, I liked the book.
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
The story was told well, from Ronnie’s point of view. I would have loved a little more development of some of the characters. I liked Ronnie. She had her strengths and her flaws. She was nosey and would mess things up sometimes as she interviewed people, but her heart was in the right place. Warrior, her dog and almost constant companion, was a great addition to the story. Loved him!
I figured a lot of things out. More pieces kept being added, but usually I could see where they fit in pretty quickly. There were a few things that kept me guessing. There was quite a bit of swearing, especially in the last few chapters, which I could have done without. Overall, I liked the book.
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
May 31, 2017
I give this 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Instafreebie, with thanks to the author.
Wonderful introduction to a new author and a mystery series that is a little more than the standard cosy.
Enticing premise that kept your eyes glued to the page and made for a quick read. My only complaint was that I found it got bogged down in the technical explanations of Aikido. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Instafreebie, with thanks to the author.
Wonderful introduction to a new author and a mystery series that is a little more than the standard cosy.
Enticing premise that kept your eyes glued to the page and made for a quick read. My only complaint was that I found it got bogged down in the technical explanations of Aikido. Definitely recommended.
October 6, 2013
I wasn’t real taken with Ronnie. Her personality kind of rubbed me wrong. The writing was good, it was just the person being portrayed was annoying. And the mystery was flimsy. Sorry, that was all so harsh. The writing is good though.
November 14, 2013
A Stunning Read!
I didn't want to put it down. For the first time in my life I wished for the plane to remain in a holding pattern. Ronnie Lake is someone I would enjoy sharing a cup of coffee with. I can't wait to see where Ronnie ends up next.
I didn't want to put it down. For the first time in my life I wished for the plane to remain in a holding pattern. Ronnie Lake is someone I would enjoy sharing a cup of coffee with. I can't wait to see where Ronnie ends up next.
November 15, 2013
Thought I had this one figured out several times only to find I was off the mark. One of those books you plan to read in short bursts only to get caught up in the suspense and screw up your time schedule. Author's description of male losers is classic. Highly recommend.
November 9, 2013
Well written. I enjoyed reading this book. It held my interest right up to the end.
October 9, 2024
When Ronnie Lake gets a frantic call from her niece begging for help, she drives like hell to her childhood home to see how she can help her anxious niece. Her niece gives Ronnie a jumbled up story of a new and stunning woman in her father’s life and begs for help in investigating the woman. Ready to wave it off as nothing out of the ordinary, Ronnie sees for herself all the mysterious events that start to happen since the mysterious woman's arrival: phone calls, a suspicious and smelly package that arrives on a door step, and cars being pushed off the road by scary tattooed strangers. She knows that she must do something to protect her brother and her family. Ronnie takes it upon herself to open up an investigation. The only problem, she’s not an investigator.
Divorced, in her fifties, and with lots of time and money on her hands, Ronnie starts digging into the questionable and nonexistent past of Juliana. A story begins to emerge, and she begins to realize that sometimes it’s just better to let the past lay dormant because Ronnie’s peaceful life could never prepare her for the world where gangs are formed by children, crimes are committed, and children just disappear. Unwilling to give up the hunt, Ronnie and Juliana begin to see that there’s only room enough for only one of them in her brother’s life and Juliana may just have the upper hand.
I was a little skeptic opening the book and realizing that the character was in her fifties, and wondered if it would be a silly and sappy mystery with an older woman trying to waste time playing detective. I actually was very impressed and found myself quite engrossed in the story. The characters are developed and strong, and the mystery that wraps itself around Juliana and how she presents herself to the world while secretly hiding a crime filled past. Did Ronnie make a few mistakes in her investigation, sure, but she handled herself amazingly and took the challenge head on and didn’t back down. Even when her life was in danger, Ronnie kept going, knowing she wouldn’t give up until she made sure her brother was making the right decision and would be keeping his family safe. This was a really fun mystery, kept you guessing the entire time, trying to find out what Juliana’s game plan was and who she was trying to help. Stunner kept a good steady pace and I never felt it drag on. It would be interesting to see what the other books in the series will be like.
*I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Divorced, in her fifties, and with lots of time and money on her hands, Ronnie starts digging into the questionable and nonexistent past of Juliana. A story begins to emerge, and she begins to realize that sometimes it’s just better to let the past lay dormant because Ronnie’s peaceful life could never prepare her for the world where gangs are formed by children, crimes are committed, and children just disappear. Unwilling to give up the hunt, Ronnie and Juliana begin to see that there’s only room enough for only one of them in her brother’s life and Juliana may just have the upper hand.
I was a little skeptic opening the book and realizing that the character was in her fifties, and wondered if it would be a silly and sappy mystery with an older woman trying to waste time playing detective. I actually was very impressed and found myself quite engrossed in the story. The characters are developed and strong, and the mystery that wraps itself around Juliana and how she presents herself to the world while secretly hiding a crime filled past. Did Ronnie make a few mistakes in her investigation, sure, but she handled herself amazingly and took the challenge head on and didn’t back down. Even when her life was in danger, Ronnie kept going, knowing she wouldn’t give up until she made sure her brother was making the right decision and would be keeping his family safe. This was a really fun mystery, kept you guessing the entire time, trying to find out what Juliana’s game plan was and who she was trying to help. Stunner kept a good steady pace and I never felt it drag on. It would be interesting to see what the other books in the series will be like.
*I received a free ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
March 3, 2021
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I actually read #4 (Hush, Hush) before this one, so it was interesting to see where Ronnie's journey began, vs the much more competent version of the character we see in that novel. The origin of her nosey sleuth ways and seeing her pick up the skills she shows in later books was interesting. I liked the mystery (though, again, I kinda knew how things wrapped up), and there are plenty of twists and turns throughout. Some of them I did see coming, but to the book's credit, it takes a twist that most thrillers/mysteries would have used as their big "gotcha" and throws it at you like 1/4th of the way through, then continues to double back on itself to keep the surprises coming.
I did feel the story was a bit bloated at times, with a few too many stops. There are aspects to the mystery that didn't feel entirely necessary. And, to be honest, there were times where if you took a step back and really thought about what Ronnie was doing, you'd find her a bit unhinged. The lengths she goes to - flying back and forth all over the country, pretending to be a bunch of different people, pulling in contacts and favors - to dig up the dirt on the new woman in her brother's life is honestly a bit insane, and I think she should have gotten more flack once she was found out. Thankfully, this is brought up a bit in the 4th book, but I think it should have gotten more screentime here. There were also aspects I found a bit puzzling/unrealistic, like the idea of Disney hiring a 16 y/o without figuring out her papers were fake (how did she find papers good enough to trick /Disney,/ one of the most paranoid employers of all time?), or how her no-good cousin kept finding her (again, all over the country). Stuff like that seemed more for convenience/thrills than actual realism.
Overall, though, this was enjoyable. Ronnie is a fun character to follow, and I think this book sets a strong base for her later development and growth. I would recommend it to fans of the mystery/woman sleuth genre.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I actually read #4 (Hush, Hush) before this one, so it was interesting to see where Ronnie's journey began, vs the much more competent version of the character we see in that novel. The origin of her nosey sleuth ways and seeing her pick up the skills she shows in later books was interesting. I liked the mystery (though, again, I kinda knew how things wrapped up), and there are plenty of twists and turns throughout. Some of them I did see coming, but to the book's credit, it takes a twist that most thrillers/mysteries would have used as their big "gotcha" and throws it at you like 1/4th of the way through, then continues to double back on itself to keep the surprises coming.
I did feel the story was a bit bloated at times, with a few too many stops. There are aspects to the mystery that didn't feel entirely necessary. And, to be honest, there were times where if you took a step back and really thought about what Ronnie was doing, you'd find her a bit unhinged. The lengths she goes to - flying back and forth all over the country, pretending to be a bunch of different people, pulling in contacts and favors - to dig up the dirt on the new woman in her brother's life is honestly a bit insane, and I think she should have gotten more flack once she was found out. Thankfully, this is brought up a bit in the 4th book, but I think it should have gotten more screentime here. There were also aspects I found a bit puzzling/unrealistic, like the idea of Disney hiring a 16 y/o without figuring out her papers were fake (how did she find papers good enough to trick /Disney,/ one of the most paranoid employers of all time?), or how her no-good cousin kept finding her (again, all over the country). Stuff like that seemed more for convenience/thrills than actual realism.
Overall, though, this was enjoyable. Ronnie is a fun character to follow, and I think this book sets a strong base for her later development and growth. I would recommend it to fans of the mystery/woman sleuth genre.
July 6, 2025
Stunning Plot Twists
Stunner: A Ronnie Lake Mystery is an August 2013 book by Niki Danforth. The 44-chapter, 383-page thriller is the first book in the series whose fifth, Traffic, is among my most memorable reads. A first-person narrative, its main character is Ronnie Lake: a nosy divorcee, empty-nester, martial artist practitioner, and amateur detective.
Thus, when her niece Laura voices her concerns—from “picking up a bad vibe” to weird happenings to getting tailed—about her own father Frank’s newest girlfriend and marriage prospect Juliana, it kickstarts aunt Ronnie’s investigations into a possible opportunist. Is it a coincidence that the arrival of the rich widower Frank’s mysterious catch, a beautiful young widow, preceded multiple “hang-up calls in the house…never had those before” and, worse still, a smelly package’s cryptic message?
Ronnie, alongside professional private investigator Will Benson and her protective dog Warrior, go out of their ways to create a before-and-after profile of Juliana. As they delve into an emotional past of heartbreaks, broken homes, rebellious teens, fate, distrust, disloyalty, betrayal, broken dreams, identity crises, trauma, blackmail, and other vices, they find themselves opening a can of worms that blows up in their faces.
All along, the author hints—especially through the character’s verbal clues and body language—at their motives and intentions, prompting the reader’s imagined parallel investigation. Examples: Juliana’s suspicious phone calls, along the lines of, “stop calling—you’ll ruin everything”; and Juliana and Ronnie’s “momentary flicker...flash of something…imperceptible flinch… long-forgotten thought flickers at the edge of my memory…vague but familiar memory.”
Funnily enough, the remorseful Ronnie’s extensive travels and sneak down dangerous territories only delay her actual findings. She finally realizes, thanks to scribbled old family photos, that the ultimate answer lies within her: how her childhood overreaction “let that innocent event snowball into accusations…one-hundred percent my fault…I am responsible for setting the young…on her angry journey.”
As each chapter brings Ronnie “close to having Juliana’s total story” amid her mark’s history of new identities and vanishing acts associated with “parts of her life that are still unsettled”, the stunning Stunner’s plot twists blow holes through the reader’s assumptions.
Stunner: A Ronnie Lake Mystery is an August 2013 book by Niki Danforth. The 44-chapter, 383-page thriller is the first book in the series whose fifth, Traffic, is among my most memorable reads. A first-person narrative, its main character is Ronnie Lake: a nosy divorcee, empty-nester, martial artist practitioner, and amateur detective.
Thus, when her niece Laura voices her concerns—from “picking up a bad vibe” to weird happenings to getting tailed—about her own father Frank’s newest girlfriend and marriage prospect Juliana, it kickstarts aunt Ronnie’s investigations into a possible opportunist. Is it a coincidence that the arrival of the rich widower Frank’s mysterious catch, a beautiful young widow, preceded multiple “hang-up calls in the house…never had those before” and, worse still, a smelly package’s cryptic message?
Ronnie, alongside professional private investigator Will Benson and her protective dog Warrior, go out of their ways to create a before-and-after profile of Juliana. As they delve into an emotional past of heartbreaks, broken homes, rebellious teens, fate, distrust, disloyalty, betrayal, broken dreams, identity crises, trauma, blackmail, and other vices, they find themselves opening a can of worms that blows up in their faces.
All along, the author hints—especially through the character’s verbal clues and body language—at their motives and intentions, prompting the reader’s imagined parallel investigation. Examples: Juliana’s suspicious phone calls, along the lines of, “stop calling—you’ll ruin everything”; and Juliana and Ronnie’s “momentary flicker...flash of something…imperceptible flinch… long-forgotten thought flickers at the edge of my memory…vague but familiar memory.”
Funnily enough, the remorseful Ronnie’s extensive travels and sneak down dangerous territories only delay her actual findings. She finally realizes, thanks to scribbled old family photos, that the ultimate answer lies within her: how her childhood overreaction “let that innocent event snowball into accusations…one-hundred percent my fault…I am responsible for setting the young…on her angry journey.”
As each chapter brings Ronnie “close to having Juliana’s total story” amid her mark’s history of new identities and vanishing acts associated with “parts of her life that are still unsettled”, the stunning Stunner’s plot twists blow holes through the reader’s assumptions.
August 23, 2023
There is nothing better than a good mystery with a brilliant detective to keep the reader invested. The author did just that, crafting a protagonist that not only felt like the driving force of the narrative but found just the right balance between flawed and heroic. The character development in this book was just top-notch, bringing the reader into the protagonist’s POV and showcasing a character that proves that you don’t have to let age stop you from doing something you enjoy or are good at. The heart and family loyalty that drives Ronnie is something many people can relate to, while the earnest way the author is able to show the amateur aspect of Ronnie’s detective skills, helps to bring both the humor and the charm of her character’s arc.
The witty yet charming and engaging dialogue keeps the reader invested in the characters and the mystery greatly. The way the character is written in a way that people can see themselves through her eyes, and yet allows the humor and charm of her personality to be juxtapositioned with the real dangers she faces as she gets further and further into this life of mystery and intrigue, made this a fascinating character arc. The tension and gripping atmosphere that built up as the mystery widened further and further, as well as the imagery that the author built into their writing to allow the scenes to feel visceral and alive on the page, will have the reader diving further and further into this world the author has developed, eager to see Ronnie’s arc grow more and more as time goes on.
Filled with twists and turns galore, this was a fun and enticing mystery read that I couldn’t put down. The drama and heart that went into this narrative were reflected perfectly in the cast of characters and the interactions they shared with Ronnie as her journey grew more and more fraught with danger and intrigue. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
The witty yet charming and engaging dialogue keeps the reader invested in the characters and the mystery greatly. The way the character is written in a way that people can see themselves through her eyes, and yet allows the humor and charm of her personality to be juxtapositioned with the real dangers she faces as she gets further and further into this life of mystery and intrigue, made this a fascinating character arc. The tension and gripping atmosphere that built up as the mystery widened further and further, as well as the imagery that the author built into their writing to allow the scenes to feel visceral and alive on the page, will have the reader diving further and further into this world the author has developed, eager to see Ronnie’s arc grow more and more as time goes on.
Filled with twists and turns galore, this was a fun and enticing mystery read that I couldn’t put down. The drama and heart that went into this narrative were reflected perfectly in the cast of characters and the interactions they shared with Ronnie as her journey grew more and more fraught with danger and intrigue. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
January 22, 2025
In Stunner, Niki Danforth introduces Ronnie Lake, a feisty amateur sleuth in her mid-fifties whose sharp instincts and deep family loyalty make her a compelling and relatable heroine. When Ronnie’s recently widowed brother, Frank, announces his engagement to the enigmatic and much younger Juliana, Ronnie can’t help but dig into her future sister-in-law’s mysterious past. With her loyal German shepherd, Warrior, by her side, Ronnie embarks on a quest that is equal parts heartfelt and perilous, uncovering secrets that test the strength of her family bonds.
Danforth’s writing masterfully blends light-hearted humor with gripping suspense, creating a narrative that feels both thrilling and accessible. Ronnie’s flaws—her nosiness and amateur detective missteps—make her endearing and believable. The story balances moments of levity, like Ronnie’s witty observations, with darker, high-stakes encounters that remind readers of the dangers of amateur investigation. Supporting characters, like private investigator Will Benson, add depth and warmth, hinting at potential romantic subplots while keeping the focus on Ronnie’s determined sleuthing.
The book is filled with vivid imagery, a dynamic soundtrack woven into the narrative, and unexpected twists. Stunner is a fast-paced mystery that captivates from start to finish. The novel’s charm lies in its balance of intrigue, family dynamics, and a touch of romance, making it an excellent choice for readers seeking a lighter mystery with emotional depth and plenty of surprises. Ronnie’s journey proves that courage, wit, and a love for family can drive anyone to extraordinary lengths.
Danforth’s writing masterfully blends light-hearted humor with gripping suspense, creating a narrative that feels both thrilling and accessible. Ronnie’s flaws—her nosiness and amateur detective missteps—make her endearing and believable. The story balances moments of levity, like Ronnie’s witty observations, with darker, high-stakes encounters that remind readers of the dangers of amateur investigation. Supporting characters, like private investigator Will Benson, add depth and warmth, hinting at potential romantic subplots while keeping the focus on Ronnie’s determined sleuthing.
The book is filled with vivid imagery, a dynamic soundtrack woven into the narrative, and unexpected twists. Stunner is a fast-paced mystery that captivates from start to finish. The novel’s charm lies in its balance of intrigue, family dynamics, and a touch of romance, making it an excellent choice for readers seeking a lighter mystery with emotional depth and plenty of surprises. Ronnie’s journey proves that courage, wit, and a love for family can drive anyone to extraordinary lengths.
January 29, 2025
Danforth’s storytelling shines through Ronnie's character, who is both relatable and refreshingly fierce. She’s not your typical sleuth; she’s a downsized divorcée, ready to take on the world with determination and a sense of humor. The novel blends suspense with a dose of wit, giving it an irresistible energy. Ronnie’s investigation, however, isn’t just a simple whodunit—she must navigate her own family dynamics and balance the growing tension between her and those she loves.
The mystery unfolds with unexpected twists and mounting tension, keeping readers hooked from the first page. The unsettling packages and strange phone calls add to the sense of danger, driving Ronnie further down a path that could risk everything. Danforth masterfully builds suspense, offering just enough clues to keep the reader guessing without giving too much away.
What makes Stunner stand out is its depth of character. While the intrigue and suspense are certainly front-and-center, the emotional weight of Ronnie's relationships—particularly with her brother—adds layers to the story. Ronnie is a woman navigating not only a mystery but also her own vulnerabilities. Her relentless pursuit of the truth makes for a compelling narrative, but it also raises the question: How far is too far when protecting those you love?
If you're a fan of thrillers with sharp, spirited protagonists and a touch of humor, Stunner is a must-read. Ronnie Lake is a character you’ll root for from start to finish, and Niki Danforth has crafted a gripping mystery that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this series.
The mystery unfolds with unexpected twists and mounting tension, keeping readers hooked from the first page. The unsettling packages and strange phone calls add to the sense of danger, driving Ronnie further down a path that could risk everything. Danforth masterfully builds suspense, offering just enough clues to keep the reader guessing without giving too much away.
What makes Stunner stand out is its depth of character. While the intrigue and suspense are certainly front-and-center, the emotional weight of Ronnie's relationships—particularly with her brother—adds layers to the story. Ronnie is a woman navigating not only a mystery but also her own vulnerabilities. Her relentless pursuit of the truth makes for a compelling narrative, but it also raises the question: How far is too far when protecting those you love?
If you're a fan of thrillers with sharp, spirited protagonists and a touch of humor, Stunner is a must-read. Ronnie Lake is a character you’ll root for from start to finish, and Niki Danforth has crafted a gripping mystery that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this series.
January 27, 2025
"Stunner" by Niki Danforth is a captivating mystery that combines humor and martial arts with a spirit of investigation. Late in her life, Ronnie learns the art of Koshinage, reinvigorating her nature and charecter. The way she gets into learning the art and the story moves craftly, it really fits her her character which is of a strong and smart woman. She is the protagonist of the novel. Her story is relatable because the way she has transformed herself from a passive character into an empowered detective through Aikido training and also overcoming many a life's challenges with devil may care attitude. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. Ronnie's journey, alongside her loyal German shepherd, WARRIOR, adds depth to the story.
The story is gets interesting after an unlikely family event allows Ronnie to let her investigative instincts kick in, leading her into a web of secrets and danger. Danforth expertly balances humor and suspense, with vivid character development that makes Ronnie's flaws endearing. The narrative is engaging, filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth, making it an enjoyable read for mystery lovers. Overall, "Stunner" is a captivating start to the Ronnie Lake series, blending intrigue with heartfelt moments.
The story is gets interesting after an unlikely family event allows Ronnie to let her investigative instincts kick in, leading her into a web of secrets and danger. Danforth expertly balances humor and suspense, with vivid character development that makes Ronnie's flaws endearing. The narrative is engaging, filled with unexpected twists and emotional depth, making it an enjoyable read for mystery lovers. Overall, "Stunner" is a captivating start to the Ronnie Lake series, blending intrigue with heartfelt moments.
February 9, 2025
A smart, engaging mystery
Ronnie Lake is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. She is sharp, determined, and proving that life after fifty is anything but dull. If you love mysteries with an amateur sleuth who’s more about intelligence than impulse this story delivers. Niki crafts a compelling story with Ronnie, a recently divorced woman who refuses to sit back when something feels off. Her instincts kick in when her widowed brother gets engaged to a much younger woman, and from there, the tension builds.
What stands out most is Ronnie herself. She’s not your typical mystery heroine. She has no hardened detective skills, just a sharp mind, persistence, and a protective streak that sometimes puts her at odds with her loved ones. The way Niki portrays family dynamics adds depth to the mystery, making it feel personal rather than just another whodunit. And let’s not forget her trusty German shepherd, who’s a great companion but never overshadows the action.
The pacing keeps you hooked, with unsettling clues, mysterious threats, and a growing sense of unease. While seasoned mystery readers might predict some twists, the journey is enjoyable because of Ronnie’s wit and emotional investment in her brother’s well being.
Ronnie Lake is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. She is sharp, determined, and proving that life after fifty is anything but dull. If you love mysteries with an amateur sleuth who’s more about intelligence than impulse this story delivers. Niki crafts a compelling story with Ronnie, a recently divorced woman who refuses to sit back when something feels off. Her instincts kick in when her widowed brother gets engaged to a much younger woman, and from there, the tension builds.
What stands out most is Ronnie herself. She’s not your typical mystery heroine. She has no hardened detective skills, just a sharp mind, persistence, and a protective streak that sometimes puts her at odds with her loved ones. The way Niki portrays family dynamics adds depth to the mystery, making it feel personal rather than just another whodunit. And let’s not forget her trusty German shepherd, who’s a great companion but never overshadows the action.
The pacing keeps you hooked, with unsettling clues, mysterious threats, and a growing sense of unease. While seasoned mystery readers might predict some twists, the journey is enjoyable because of Ronnie’s wit and emotional investment in her brother’s well being.
January 23, 2025
Mystery, Family and Twists
I'm no stranger to the Ronnie Lake Mystery series, having read book five and loved it. In Stunner, Niki Danforth introduces readers to Ronnie Lake, a 50-something amateur sleuth with a sharp mind, a loyal German Shepherd named Warrior, and a deep sense of family loyalty. When her recently widowed brother, Frank, becomes engaged to the mysterious and much younger Juliana, Ronnie takes it upon herself to investigate. Packed with suspense, humor, and unexpected twists, the story masterfully balances lighter moments with darker undertones, keeping readers engaged as Ronnie’s nosiness leads her into dangerous situations.
Danforth’s writing shines through vivid character development and relatable imperfections in Ronnie’s personality, making her an endearing and believable protagonist. With well-placed moments of humor, gripping suspense, and a touch of romance, the novel is a delightful read for mystery lovers. Stunner is a fast-paced, accessible story that highlights the lengths one will go to protect loved ones, making it an excellent start to the Ronnie Lake series.
I'm no stranger to the Ronnie Lake Mystery series, having read book five and loved it. In Stunner, Niki Danforth introduces readers to Ronnie Lake, a 50-something amateur sleuth with a sharp mind, a loyal German Shepherd named Warrior, and a deep sense of family loyalty. When her recently widowed brother, Frank, becomes engaged to the mysterious and much younger Juliana, Ronnie takes it upon herself to investigate. Packed with suspense, humor, and unexpected twists, the story masterfully balances lighter moments with darker undertones, keeping readers engaged as Ronnie’s nosiness leads her into dangerous situations.
Danforth’s writing shines through vivid character development and relatable imperfections in Ronnie’s personality, making her an endearing and believable protagonist. With well-placed moments of humor, gripping suspense, and a touch of romance, the novel is a delightful read for mystery lovers. Stunner is a fast-paced, accessible story that highlights the lengths one will go to protect loved ones, making it an excellent start to the Ronnie Lake series.
August 25, 2023
A friend suggested this book to me and I love mysteries, so I decided to give it a chance. The book begins by telling the reader about Ronnie Lake, who is in her 50s and Juliana is a very secretive woman. Ronnie has recently divorced her husband and is shocked when her niece, Laura calls her. It seems that her father, Frank is in a new relationship with a woman named Juliana Wentworth. It turns out that Juliana’s mother actually worked with Ronnie’s family years ago. There was a lot of trouble with Juliana and her family and now it seems very strange that Frank would be involved romantically with her.
Juliana and Frank have gotten so close that she moved into his farm house to be closer to him. Laura admitted that she actually likes Juliana now and this strikes Ronnie as shocking. Not only that, but Laura wasn’t sure that she should have told Ronnie about all of these secrets that Frank has been keeping. Ronnie decides that she wants to start investigating Juliana to see what her motives truly are with Frank. What she finds doesn’t exactly make her happy.
As Ronnie dives deeper into Juliana’s world, she discovers some very interesting facts about her and wants to do her best to try and persuade Frank to change his mind about her. She doesn’t want them together and she surely doesn’t want them to get married. She has a little help from her friend, Will Benson, but it turns out that things just keep getting worse!
I won’t give away too many spoilers because this book was a very good read. I really enjoyed this story and I feel like I will start to read more from this author. The characters were developed incredibly well and it was great to have such a strong female lead. The twists and turns in this book kept me reading and I feel like I will go back for a second read in case there were portions that I forgot or missed.
Overall, this book is well written, easy to read, and engaged me the entire length of it. I would highly recommend it for those who love true crime, mysteries, and suspense. This is why I am giving it five stars. Be sure to check out the other books in this series and by the author, Nikki Danforth. I’ll be moving onto her next one today!
Juliana and Frank have gotten so close that she moved into his farm house to be closer to him. Laura admitted that she actually likes Juliana now and this strikes Ronnie as shocking. Not only that, but Laura wasn’t sure that she should have told Ronnie about all of these secrets that Frank has been keeping. Ronnie decides that she wants to start investigating Juliana to see what her motives truly are with Frank. What she finds doesn’t exactly make her happy.
As Ronnie dives deeper into Juliana’s world, she discovers some very interesting facts about her and wants to do her best to try and persuade Frank to change his mind about her. She doesn’t want them together and she surely doesn’t want them to get married. She has a little help from her friend, Will Benson, but it turns out that things just keep getting worse!
I won’t give away too many spoilers because this book was a very good read. I really enjoyed this story and I feel like I will start to read more from this author. The characters were developed incredibly well and it was great to have such a strong female lead. The twists and turns in this book kept me reading and I feel like I will go back for a second read in case there were portions that I forgot or missed.
Overall, this book is well written, easy to read, and engaged me the entire length of it. I would highly recommend it for those who love true crime, mysteries, and suspense. This is why I am giving it five stars. Be sure to check out the other books in this series and by the author, Nikki Danforth. I’ll be moving onto her next one today!
February 11, 2025
This was honestly a much better read than I was anticipating. It very much could have been 'just another cozy mystery', but the author, Niki Danforth, has really given us an engaging read. It reminded me of an episode of Castle, which I love.
Ronnie Lake is a fresh take on the detective premise as she is a 50-something divorced woman living alone with her dog. While of course women in their 50s aren't new to the detective genre as main characters, what Lake gives us is a NYC elite air but passion for her family and especially her dog. Danforth has created a character that flips the trope on its head, too, as she begins having a crush on a handsome PI quite a bit younger than her. A refreshing shift from the domineering male and the younger woman trope.
This story is well-written and has intrigue, suspense, and thrill. Danforth clearly has a career ahead of her with Ronnie Lake if she wants it. I look forward to reading more!
Ronnie Lake is a fresh take on the detective premise as she is a 50-something divorced woman living alone with her dog. While of course women in their 50s aren't new to the detective genre as main characters, what Lake gives us is a NYC elite air but passion for her family and especially her dog. Danforth has created a character that flips the trope on its head, too, as she begins having a crush on a handsome PI quite a bit younger than her. A refreshing shift from the domineering male and the younger woman trope.
This story is well-written and has intrigue, suspense, and thrill. Danforth clearly has a career ahead of her with Ronnie Lake if she wants it. I look forward to reading more!
July 13, 2025
A Gritty, Grown-Up Mystery with Heart
This engaging mystery opens with Ronnie Lake, a sharp and spirited woman in her 50s trained in Aikido—making her the perfect lead for a case like this. When her brother Frank becomes engaged to a younger woman, Ronnie grows suspicious after overhearing a troubling conversation. With the help of private investigator Will, she begins digging into Juliana’s past, uncovering secrets that unravel into deeper mysteries and a surprising final reveal.
What stands out is that Ronnie isn’t portrayed as instantly flawless—she has realistic moments of hesitation when facing danger, which adds depth and relatability. As the case unfolds, so does her confidence and strength, making her growth as a character feel earned. The story is fast-paced, full of twists and well-placed clues, making it a quick and satisfying read. A great pick for mystery lovers and readers who enjoy strong, evolving female leads and a touch of animal charm.
This engaging mystery opens with Ronnie Lake, a sharp and spirited woman in her 50s trained in Aikido—making her the perfect lead for a case like this. When her brother Frank becomes engaged to a younger woman, Ronnie grows suspicious after overhearing a troubling conversation. With the help of private investigator Will, she begins digging into Juliana’s past, uncovering secrets that unravel into deeper mysteries and a surprising final reveal.
What stands out is that Ronnie isn’t portrayed as instantly flawless—she has realistic moments of hesitation when facing danger, which adds depth and relatability. As the case unfolds, so does her confidence and strength, making her growth as a character feel earned. The story is fast-paced, full of twists and well-placed clues, making it a quick and satisfying read. A great pick for mystery lovers and readers who enjoy strong, evolving female leads and a touch of animal charm.
July 6, 2025
This was a great mystery! I read it so quickly as I was hooked into the story from the first page. Ronnie is a great character, you almost forget she's a woman in her fifties. She's fun and tough and having a dog side kick like Warrior is awesome. They made a good team. The book moves in a fast pace, getting you right into the mystery and following along as Ronnie tries to piece the story of her brother's new girlfriend together. I loved the tight knit family dynamic of Ronnie's family and her loyalty. She was pushy and definitely nosey, but did everything out of love. The plot was great and didn't see far fetched at all. It all wrapped up so well and the connections made sense. There were some tense moments but nothing too thrilling. This was a very fun read, the kind you can sit by the pool and enjoy in the sun. Highly recommend.
July 30, 2021
Fun and Exciting PI Adventure
This book is written in the first person, which I generally hate. However, this writer is skilled enough that the story just flowed. There was none of the boring, “I walked to the kitchen. I picked up a spoon. I stirred my coffee.”
The story captured my interest and kept it. The backstory is great and the ending is perfect. The body of the story keeps the reader on their toes. Something is always happening and there is no time to second guess the characters. This is the first book in a series. I am now off to go binge-read the next 4 books! I received a free copy of this book via Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This book is written in the first person, which I generally hate. However, this writer is skilled enough that the story just flowed. There was none of the boring, “I walked to the kitchen. I picked up a spoon. I stirred my coffee.”
The story captured my interest and kept it. The backstory is great and the ending is perfect. The body of the story keeps the reader on their toes. Something is always happening and there is no time to second guess the characters. This is the first book in a series. I am now off to go binge-read the next 4 books! I received a free copy of this book via Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 5, 2021
A Ronnie Lake Mystery is the first book in the Ronnie Lake series. These books can be read individually, as stand alone novels If you like a heroine, with sass, and lots of “vim and vinegar” this is her. This novel is about a woman who is making every attempt to protect her brother and niece. The novel has a solid storyline with all kinds of twists and turns, it is a page turner and brings the reader right along for the ride best part of all? The heroine is not some young chick but a middle aged woman with some life experience behind her I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2025
Stunner: A Ronnie Lake Mystery (Ronnie Lake Series Book 1), my first read from author Niki Danforth. Somewhat reminiscient of the writing of Kelly Utt. A well-written, 389-page pulse-pounding, entertaining thriller, with intriguing, well-developed characters that leave you panting for more. I couldn't turn pages fast enough, starting & completing it in one sitting. I've already gone out looking for more books by her. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll definitely be reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 19, 2020
In the beginning, I thought this was going to be a pretty good book. But the more I read, the more Ronnie got on my nerves. She became an interfering busybody and I don't blame her brother at all with becoming very annoyed and angry with her. Plus the plot became predictable and too many coincidences just made the plot unbelievable by the end of the book. Sounds like there will be a sequel because Ronnie seems to have it in her mind to become an investigator. Hopefully the author will make her more likeable with a heart and less of an overbearing know-it-all attitude.
August 11, 2023
I enjoyed this book, which was quite gripping at times and had me turning the pages to see what happens next. I think Ronnie acts in the way most of us would like to in that situation, not always thinking of the consequences and getting in a few pickles along the way. I felt there was plenty of detail at the beginning to get us hooked and eager to know the end, plenty of action in the middle with some twists and turns. However, I was ever so slightly disappointed with the way it ended. I felt a bit more information there would have wrapped it up nicely. It is still very much worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews