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Vonnie Vines #1
1st Murder
A brand-new Murder Mystery from USA TODAY Bestselling author Megan Matthews.
A missing person. A suspicious ex-boyfriend. A quiet murder.
Vonnie Vines promised everyone she’d be Maine’s best private investigator. It sounded simple, but cases are hard to find and money is growing tight. And then her only client turns up dead.
Now, Vonnie must solve a murder, find a missing Brent, and avoid falling back in love with her SEAL ex-boyfriend, all with the police in her way at every turn. While navigating her now abundant caseload, she’ll uncover new crimes, battle a metal band in her office building, and learn her ex, Broadrick, isn’t the man she thought. But who is he?
With rent due, Broadrick’s lies, and her new roommate Vonnie’s problems are sky high. If she’s not careful, she’ll lose everything.
A hilariously entertaining read with adventure, mystery and one hella-hot former SEAL. Or is he?
Buy your copy of First Murder and help solve the crime before someone else ends up dead.
A missing person. A suspicious ex-boyfriend. A quiet murder.
Vonnie Vines promised everyone she’d be Maine’s best private investigator. It sounded simple, but cases are hard to find and money is growing tight. And then her only client turns up dead.
Now, Vonnie must solve a murder, find a missing Brent, and avoid falling back in love with her SEAL ex-boyfriend, all with the police in her way at every turn. While navigating her now abundant caseload, she’ll uncover new crimes, battle a metal band in her office building, and learn her ex, Broadrick, isn’t the man she thought. But who is he?
With rent due, Broadrick’s lies, and her new roommate Vonnie’s problems are sky high. If she’s not careful, she’ll lose everything.
A hilariously entertaining read with adventure, mystery and one hella-hot former SEAL. Or is he?
Buy your copy of First Murder and help solve the crime before someone else ends up dead.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2024
About the author
Megan Matthews
68 books181 followersMegan Matthews loves writing humorous romantic suspense featuring heroes with unbelievable abs, billionaire bosses, and heroines with attitude for days. She lives in Michigan with her techie husband, homeschooled son, their cat, and two guinea pigs.
When she’s not writing, you can find her on Instagram posting about reading, home life, half-dead plants, her ridiculous notebook and fancy pen collections, plus the occasional crochet project.
When she’s not writing, you can find her on Instagram posting about reading, home life, half-dead plants, her ridiculous notebook and fancy pen collections, plus the occasional crochet project.
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January 2, 2024Can't Wait!!!
"A brand-new Murder Mystery from USA TODAY Bestselling author Megan Matthews.
A missing person. A suspicious ex-boyfriend. A quiet murder.
Vonnie Vines promised everyone she’d be Maine’s best private investigator. It sounded simple, but cases are hard to find and money is growing tight. And then her only client turns up dead.
Now, Vonnie must solve a murder, find a missing Brent, and avoid falling back in love with her SEAL ex-boyfriend, all with the police in her way at every turn. While navigating her now abundant caseload, she’ll uncover new crimes, battle a metal band in her office building, and learn her ex, Broadrick, isn’t the man she thought. But who is he?
With rent due, Broadrick’s lies, and her new roommate Vonnie’s problems are sky high. If she’s not careful, she’ll lose everything.
A hilariously entertaining read with adventure, mystery and one hella-hot former SEAL. Or is he?
Buy your copy of First Murder and help solve the crime before someone else ends up dead."
Amazon USA Pre-Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/1st-Murder-Von...
Amazon Australia Pre-Order link: https://www.amazon.com.au/1st-Murder-...
"A brand-new Murder Mystery from USA TODAY Bestselling author Megan Matthews.
A missing person. A suspicious ex-boyfriend. A quiet murder.
Vonnie Vines promised everyone she’d be Maine’s best private investigator. It sounded simple, but cases are hard to find and money is growing tight. And then her only client turns up dead.
Now, Vonnie must solve a murder, find a missing Brent, and avoid falling back in love with her SEAL ex-boyfriend, all with the police in her way at every turn. While navigating her now abundant caseload, she’ll uncover new crimes, battle a metal band in her office building, and learn her ex, Broadrick, isn’t the man she thought. But who is he?
With rent due, Broadrick’s lies, and her new roommate Vonnie’s problems are sky high. If she’s not careful, she’ll lose everything.
A hilariously entertaining read with adventure, mystery and one hella-hot former SEAL. Or is he?
Buy your copy of First Murder and help solve the crime before someone else ends up dead."
Amazon USA Pre-Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/1st-Murder-Von...
Amazon Australia Pre-Order link: https://www.amazon.com.au/1st-Murder-...
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February 28, 2024NOW AVAILABLE!
Grab your copy on all retailers!
https://books2read.com/FirstMurder
“This isn’t one of yours and Katy’s games. You can’t play PI on this case.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, glaring right back at him and crossing my arms in a matching stance. “I’m a real private investigator.”
“You are not.”
Well… he had a point. Per the state of Maine, I wasn’t technically a private investigator. But I was in training to be one. Filled out all the legal paperwork and everything. He could take his patriarchy bullshit and shove it somewhere dark and between two cheeks.
Grab your copy on all retailers!
https://books2read.com/FirstMurder
“This isn’t one of yours and Katy’s games. You can’t play PI on this case.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, glaring right back at him and crossing my arms in a matching stance. “I’m a real private investigator.”
“You are not.”
Well… he had a point. Per the state of Maine, I wasn’t technically a private investigator. But I was in training to be one. Filled out all the legal paperwork and everything. He could take his patriarchy bullshit and shove it somewhere dark and between two cheeks.
January 24, 2024
This contemporary romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are realistic and captivating. Their journey is enthralling with 1st murder, a missing person, a suspicious ex-boyfriend, a quiet murder Vonnie Vine's promised everyone she'd be Maine's best private investigator... Cases are hard to find and money is growing tight. must solve a murder, missing Brent, falling back in love with her SEAL ex-boyfriend, new crimes, humor, witty characters, women sleuth, military romance, drama, action, adventure, deception, battle a metal band in her office building, navigating her new abundant caseload, skill uncover new crimes, heartfelt emotions, suspense that will have readers on the edge of their seats, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with 1st murder and a cozy mystery that will be sure to take readers on an exhilarating roller coaster ride that is wild and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2024
This is book one of the Vonnie Vines Mystery series and Vonnie is working towards becoming a fully licensed Private Investigator in Pelican Bay, Maine. She has pushed herself out from under the wings of Katy Kadish, where she learnt so much, and is halfway through the hours required to get her PI license. She hasn’t got a very good mentor, he is only at the end of a phone line and is costing her a lot even at that. But jobs aren’t that easy to find and she won’t be able to make next month’s rent unless she can finish some cases. Her current job is to find proof of a cheating husband, but it turns out not to be quite as obvious as that and her only client ends up murdered! Pelican Bay only has a small police force, with one detective, Anderson, and mostly solve their cases with the aid of Ridge Jefferson and his security firm filled with ex-Navy SEAL’s. When she goes to her client’s house to report her findings, she looks through her side door and she finds Jalinda Jones dead on the floor. She is shocked and turns to find her ex-boyfriend Broadrick right behind her and the lights and sounds of sirens already coming their way. They hide in the tree line, Vonnie because she doesn’t want Anderson to find her beside yet another dead body. What Broadrick is doing here is another question, especially since he never visited her town in the two years they had a long distance relationship, with most of her friends and family believing she had made him up! She hadn’t heard from him in six months, since he broke up with her by email of all things!
He kisses her under the tree and she tries her hardest to ignore him, but he seems to think there will be another time. She thinks he will disappear back to the D.C. area and his role as a Navy SEAL, but he keeps on appearing in her office and her home, saying he wants her back and he made a mistake! She doesn’t believe him at all, since he had always told her he was a SEAL for life and she expects him to leave again after a couple of days of leave. He already broke her heart and can put up with it being broken all over again! She gets a call for another case, which at first sounds like a missing person case, but ends up as a missing dog called Brent. All she has is the deposit money from her dead client’s job and now the deposit for a missing dog, but finding a missing dog in the cold of a Maine winter is not easy! Everyone, including her landlady, believe she is made of money because of the brand new Camaro she is driving, but that is all mixed in with her former car being destroyed in a gun fight involving a local mob boss! Somehow Broadrick keeps turning up everywhere, and she somehow has a weird box her friend Katy gave her to hide from her billionaire boyfriend Pierce, that she has to carry with her everywhere. Even to her part time job as the bakery and as she puts up missing posters. Detective Anderson is telling her to keep out of the murder case, even though it was her own client who was killed. She doesn’t do well at listening to others, especially when they try to tell her not to do something, because she is a woman!
Broadrick keeps on surprising her with takeaway meals form some of her favourite places, showing how much he has been listening to her whist they were together. Every time she thinks she can finally prove to her friends that he actually exists, he disappears yet again. Chasing after Brent late one evening, she comes across something illegal and believes Broadrick has been lying to her all along. She tries to resist his kisses every time he crowds in beside her, but finds herself failing, no matter how mad she tries to be at him for past events. Add in a Not Brent dog she can’t find the real owner of, totally against her rental agreement, she is getting close to losing everything. She is far too stubborn to allow others to tell her she can’t do something, especially her family. Whether she can find the true killer of her client Jalinda and the correct missing dog, is all mixed up with some very dangerous and questionable events, and a touch of romance she tries to fight against but is clearly failing at on every turn. There is obviously some back story to the main character, it would be nice to read more about, as she works towards getting her license in a town already well served with experienced security people. She needs a bit of luck and success, to get word of mouth spread about her skills, so she can get more work, never mind her absent mentor Mick who always wants his cut for doing nothing! It looks like it could be building into an interesting series, as Vonnie sometimes falls into situations that help her muddle her way through investigations in a very unique manner. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
4 ½ stars
He kisses her under the tree and she tries her hardest to ignore him, but he seems to think there will be another time. She thinks he will disappear back to the D.C. area and his role as a Navy SEAL, but he keeps on appearing in her office and her home, saying he wants her back and he made a mistake! She doesn’t believe him at all, since he had always told her he was a SEAL for life and she expects him to leave again after a couple of days of leave. He already broke her heart and can put up with it being broken all over again! She gets a call for another case, which at first sounds like a missing person case, but ends up as a missing dog called Brent. All she has is the deposit money from her dead client’s job and now the deposit for a missing dog, but finding a missing dog in the cold of a Maine winter is not easy! Everyone, including her landlady, believe she is made of money because of the brand new Camaro she is driving, but that is all mixed in with her former car being destroyed in a gun fight involving a local mob boss! Somehow Broadrick keeps turning up everywhere, and she somehow has a weird box her friend Katy gave her to hide from her billionaire boyfriend Pierce, that she has to carry with her everywhere. Even to her part time job as the bakery and as she puts up missing posters. Detective Anderson is telling her to keep out of the murder case, even though it was her own client who was killed. She doesn’t do well at listening to others, especially when they try to tell her not to do something, because she is a woman!
Broadrick keeps on surprising her with takeaway meals form some of her favourite places, showing how much he has been listening to her whist they were together. Every time she thinks she can finally prove to her friends that he actually exists, he disappears yet again. Chasing after Brent late one evening, she comes across something illegal and believes Broadrick has been lying to her all along. She tries to resist his kisses every time he crowds in beside her, but finds herself failing, no matter how mad she tries to be at him for past events. Add in a Not Brent dog she can’t find the real owner of, totally against her rental agreement, she is getting close to losing everything. She is far too stubborn to allow others to tell her she can’t do something, especially her family. Whether she can find the true killer of her client Jalinda and the correct missing dog, is all mixed up with some very dangerous and questionable events, and a touch of romance she tries to fight against but is clearly failing at on every turn. There is obviously some back story to the main character, it would be nice to read more about, as she works towards getting her license in a town already well served with experienced security people. She needs a bit of luck and success, to get word of mouth spread about her skills, so she can get more work, never mind her absent mentor Mick who always wants his cut for doing nothing! It looks like it could be building into an interesting series, as Vonnie sometimes falls into situations that help her muddle her way through investigations in a very unique manner. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
4 ½ stars
January 1, 2024
This book started off pretty weak but turned around to be an enjoyable read. For me the beginning started off a little shaky as I found Vonnie flaky and in over her head in almost every aspect of her life but then slowly she began to get stronger as a character and the book became much more enjoyable.
I understood why Vonnie was so desperate to prove that Jimmy was cheating as her money was getting low and she really needed to prove herself. Yet Vonnie was going to find herself in jail with the sneaking around that she was doing that looked like she was interfering with a police case.
The case of the missing dog was interesting especially when the dogs smiles were being compared. I liked that Vonnie did find herself a little companion as I think she needed that in her life.
Broadrick MacGregor was Vonnie’s mysterious ex-boyfriend who happened to be a SEAL and his arrival in town was very mysterious especially when nobody else ever spotted him. I questioned the real reason why he was in town as things didn’t add up when Vonnie spotted him.
One thing that I didn’t understand through the whole book was the box and why Vonnie had to bring it with her everywhere. To me it took away from the story as wherever she was going, she had to lug the box around. I just didn’t enjoy this part of the story at all.
I liked how hard Vonnie worked at solving the mystery and how she never backed down at getting to the bottom of things.
I will try another one in the series now that hopefully Vonnie is more settled in the next book with a new place to live and figuring things out with Broadrick.
I understood why Vonnie was so desperate to prove that Jimmy was cheating as her money was getting low and she really needed to prove herself. Yet Vonnie was going to find herself in jail with the sneaking around that she was doing that looked like she was interfering with a police case.
The case of the missing dog was interesting especially when the dogs smiles were being compared. I liked that Vonnie did find herself a little companion as I think she needed that in her life.
Broadrick MacGregor was Vonnie’s mysterious ex-boyfriend who happened to be a SEAL and his arrival in town was very mysterious especially when nobody else ever spotted him. I questioned the real reason why he was in town as things didn’t add up when Vonnie spotted him.
One thing that I didn’t understand through the whole book was the box and why Vonnie had to bring it with her everywhere. To me it took away from the story as wherever she was going, she had to lug the box around. I just didn’t enjoy this part of the story at all.
I liked how hard Vonnie worked at solving the mystery and how she never backed down at getting to the bottom of things.
I will try another one in the series now that hopefully Vonnie is more settled in the next book with a new place to live and figuring things out with Broadrick.
May 7, 2024
'1st Murder' was entertaining. Its humorous plot was filled with hilarity, the death of a client, a private investigator at work, trying to solve a murder, on the lookout for a missing dog, a Navy SEAL ex-boyfriend lurking about, dodging the landlord, sneaking police evidence, working at a bakery, getting arrested, the ex-boyfriend skipped out, a "blood-curdling scream," a snowy January, the Brent chase was on, the ex-boyfriend skipped out again, a cookie mishap with smoke, the fire department's arrival, Katy's frog statue, a confession to Jalinda's murder, and loving a SEAL.
Furthermore, Vonnie, the main character and private investigator, was funny. I loved her constant quips. Also, I liked the author's writing style: enthralling characters, a wintry setting, an amazing storyline that was filled with laughter, and levity-filled dialogue such as, "I opened the door with my key, hoping Mrs. Mets was sleeping and I wouldn’t wake her. The woman knew everything that went on in her building and she didn’t like any of it. Still beat living at home with my parents trying to give me a 10 p.m. curfew. Everyone knew all the best PI stuff happened after 10 p.m." Overall, I liked the amusing narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Furthermore, Vonnie, the main character and private investigator, was funny. I loved her constant quips. Also, I liked the author's writing style: enthralling characters, a wintry setting, an amazing storyline that was filled with laughter, and levity-filled dialogue such as, "I opened the door with my key, hoping Mrs. Mets was sleeping and I wouldn’t wake her. The woman knew everything that went on in her building and she didn’t like any of it. Still beat living at home with my parents trying to give me a 10 p.m. curfew. Everyone knew all the best PI stuff happened after 10 p.m." Overall, I liked the amusing narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
February 20, 2024
This is a slightly different genre from Megan Matthews' other works or simply that I have been more use to a particular style of her story telling. Knowing it is a new series it is sometimes harder to establish your ideas as a reader as you can sometimes be set in your own interpretations of a writer and their creative worlds, hence why I went into this new series and character with an open mind and a sense of patience to learn how things were going to pan out.
The character of Vonnie Vines is quite an interesting one, a female private investigator trying her best to succeed when things around her offer challenges galore, especially when her primary suspect's status changes.
I found it an easy read where there was enough drama, action and mystery to keep me happily entertained throughout and yes possibly in time as the character gets finely tuned by the Author, things will change for both reader and the Author and like anything we become more comfortable with their characteristics. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how this series will evolve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The character of Vonnie Vines is quite an interesting one, a female private investigator trying her best to succeed when things around her offer challenges galore, especially when her primary suspect's status changes.
I found it an easy read where there was enough drama, action and mystery to keep me happily entertained throughout and yes possibly in time as the character gets finely tuned by the Author, things will change for both reader and the Author and like anything we become more comfortable with their characteristics. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how this series will evolve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2024
While I'm the first to admit that New Adult isn't my usual go-to age bracket, I do love a murder mystery. And that is exactly what had me picking up my first read from Megan Matthews.
I liked Vonnie. She was strong and doing her darnedest to strike it on her own. Even with her family not rooting for her and on the other side of a broken heart, she wasn't backing down. Especially when her first case turned into so much more than she expected.
Add a reemerging ex, a missing dog and 'the box' into the picture and it was all she could do to keep her wits about her. Despite her head and her heart battling for what she wanted, she was relentless in her pursuit of whodunit.
To be honest, I figured out who the culprit was kind of early on. And while I would've liked a bit more danger there were for sure a few twists that had me eager to see how it would all pan out. I think my favorite thing about 1st Murder is that while it ended with no loose ends, Vonnie's journey is far from over.
I liked Vonnie. She was strong and doing her darnedest to strike it on her own. Even with her family not rooting for her and on the other side of a broken heart, she wasn't backing down. Especially when her first case turned into so much more than she expected.
Add a reemerging ex, a missing dog and 'the box' into the picture and it was all she could do to keep her wits about her. Despite her head and her heart battling for what she wanted, she was relentless in her pursuit of whodunit.
To be honest, I figured out who the culprit was kind of early on. And while I would've liked a bit more danger there were for sure a few twists that had me eager to see how it would all pan out. I think my favorite thing about 1st Murder is that while it ended with no loose ends, Vonnie's journey is far from over.
January 23, 2024
Vonnie’s Wild Adventure(s) . . .
Vonnie Vines is an admirable characters who wants to prove herself as a private investigator. However, things do not go smoothly for her, not only with her first client but with a ton of other distractions thrown into the mix. Ready to start earning her pay, she took her camera with her to get pictures of the allegedly cheating husband Jimmy Jones, but he didn’t “perform” that night. So she drove over to Jalinda Jones’ home to report to her client that he wasn’t cheating. Instead, she looked in the window and saw her dead on the kitchen floor! Now her investigation needs to shift into high gear! Will she find the murderer? Will she prove her talents are real? She has many other distractions going on that you won’t want to miss, so grab your copy and join Vonnie for her crazy adventure!
Vonnie Vines is an admirable characters who wants to prove herself as a private investigator. However, things do not go smoothly for her, not only with her first client but with a ton of other distractions thrown into the mix. Ready to start earning her pay, she took her camera with her to get pictures of the allegedly cheating husband Jimmy Jones, but he didn’t “perform” that night. So she drove over to Jalinda Jones’ home to report to her client that he wasn’t cheating. Instead, she looked in the window and saw her dead on the kitchen floor! Now her investigation needs to shift into high gear! Will she find the murderer? Will she prove her talents are real? She has many other distractions going on that you won’t want to miss, so grab your copy and join Vonnie for her crazy adventure!
January 24, 2024
This starts an engaging mystery series that I enjoyed reading. This story is about Vonnie Vines who started working at a detective agency trying to get her license. On her first assignment of proving her client's husband is cheating, she finds out he's innocent. Going to tell Mrs. Jones the news, Vonnie sees through the door's windows that Mrs. Jones is dead on the kitchen floor. Ready to leave she gets caught by her ex-boyfriend, Broadrick. Grabbing her Broadrick hides them, and he tells her he wants a second chance. Hanging around the scene Vonnie decides to enter the house and gets caught by Detective Anderson. Before leaving the scene, she takes a piece of evidence. This leads her to investigate the crime with Broadrick helping her. What occurs is an intriguing mystery story with wonderful engaging characters.
Did Not Finish
June 7, 2026Bonnie vines is ditzy and dumb and just lucks her way through everything. There is no real suspense for this murder mystery.
It is the first book in the serie but it hint at other books and if you haven't read them like me, you feel a bit left out.
The story just drags on and on and on, but nothing really happens. In 117 pages, she found a body, got hired to find a dog and stole a chocolate from the police station. A 117 pages!!!!.
And then we have broadrick. First of all what a name. Second of all he dumped her over email but then shows up 6 months later with no explanation and just kisses her, calling her babe and telling vonnie that they will get back together even though she says she doesn't want to? He also just disappears and appears whenever, only really staying for maybe a page or 2.
Overall this story lacks depth, interesting characters and a plot.
DNF at page 117.
It is the first book in the serie but it hint at other books and if you haven't read them like me, you feel a bit left out.
The story just drags on and on and on, but nothing really happens. In 117 pages, she found a body, got hired to find a dog and stole a chocolate from the police station. A 117 pages!!!!.
And then we have broadrick. First of all what a name. Second of all he dumped her over email but then shows up 6 months later with no explanation and just kisses her, calling her babe and telling vonnie that they will get back together even though she says she doesn't want to? He also just disappears and appears whenever, only really staying for maybe a page or 2.
Overall this story lacks depth, interesting characters and a plot.
DNF at page 117.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2024
Vonnie Vines will win you over. Honestly Vonnie deserves five-stars all to herself, the rest well some only deserve four, but I can’t ding me Vonnie as she really will captivate you, she has the worst luck, but you can only have hope that it will get better over the next few stories, I am so invested in finding out what chaos she will get up to next. When you throw in Brent and his counterpart you can’t help but smile and just fall in love with this story even more. If you need a kick to get you inspired to do something then pick up this story, as Vonnie will infuse you with her enthusiasm to keep going and get things done, as she is so independent and will inspire you. B will make you wonder, I can’t help wondering if he is the right one, but I suppose only time will tell.
January 20, 2024
Like a lot of 1st books in a series, the author spent time setting up the stage, so to speak, along with the characters in the book. So to me, this book started off a bit sluggish - but I understood why. Once it got rolling, I was really into the storyline and Vonnie struggles and her determination to prove herself to not only her peers but to her family as well. Oh and lets not forget her ex navy Seal boyfriend, Brent, who wants her back. This is her first case on her own, a simply cheating husband case. But when her client ends up dead on the kitchen floor, things aren’t looking so good for Vonnie.
The book has moments of suspense, aghast, humor and so much more. This reader enjoyed book 1 of Vonnies Mysteries and is looking forward to seeing what happens next.
4 Stars
The book has moments of suspense, aghast, humor and so much more. This reader enjoyed book 1 of Vonnies Mysteries and is looking forward to seeing what happens next.
4 Stars
January 22, 2024
1st Murder is the first full-lenght book in the Vonnie Vines series of murder mysteries - there's an introductory novella available to newsletter subscribers - set in the town of Pelican Bay. There's a lot of action and suspense but I found the events just a bit too far-fetched and Vonnie, while wholly likeable, just a bit too immature for my liking. New Adult is not really my go-to age bracket, so I'm sure there are plenty of readers who will feel differently. Certainly, everyone who liked the author's Pelican Bay Security series will enjoy the connection and cameo appearances of characters in this spin-off series.
I was given an advanced copy by the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
I was given an advanced copy by the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
February 2, 2024
If she can only solve her first case
1st Murder is the first book in the A Vonnie Vines Mystery series. I have read a number of books by the author, Megan Matthews, but this was a bit of a different story for the author but one that I think will be good entertainment. This book introduces Vonnie Vines and a host of secondary characters. It also sets the stage for the rest of the series, and gives some insights into Vonnie, her life, her challenges, her becoming a PI, and the town. There were a few things that I did not fully understand but I just went with the story and enjoyed it. I also liked that Vonnie is getting her feet under her, getting stronger in herself, and hopefully will be a good female character over the series, someone independent, smart, resilient and fun.
1st Murder is the first book in the A Vonnie Vines Mystery series. I have read a number of books by the author, Megan Matthews, but this was a bit of a different story for the author but one that I think will be good entertainment. This book introduces Vonnie Vines and a host of secondary characters. It also sets the stage for the rest of the series, and gives some insights into Vonnie, her life, her challenges, her becoming a PI, and the town. There were a few things that I did not fully understand but I just went with the story and enjoyed it. I also liked that Vonnie is getting her feet under her, getting stronger in herself, and hopefully will be a good female character over the series, someone independent, smart, resilient and fun.
February 11, 2024
First Murder by Megan Matthews reminds me of the Stephanie Plum series of books by Janet Evanovich. Like Stephanie, Vonnie Vines isn't a girly girl. She has opened a detective agency in Pelican Bay, Maine. She has a Navy SEAL ex and the local security firm, led by Ridge Jefferson, is made up of former Navy SEALS. She lives in a no frills apartment and her parents live nearby. I enjoyed this book. Vonnie's life is full of humor and run-ins with Detective Anderson. She has an interesting best friend, a less than stellar mentor, and friends at the bakery where she works part time. I think this promises to be an entertaining romantic suspense series and I look forward to getting to know Vonnie Vines better!
May 5, 2024
Vonnie's story is set in Pelican Bay so the characters from Pelican Bay Security series pop in. Vonnie was introduced in that series, is friends with Katy and was normally Katy's sidekick in her various hijinks. Vonnie has decided to start a PI business. She's barely scraping by when she stumbles onto a murder and decides she needs to solve it, much to Detective Andersons dismay. To make things complicated Vonnie's ex makes a reappearance into her life and she finds herself looking after a dog she's not suppose to have in her apartment. Funny and completely entertaining filled with the quirky characters that make Pelican Bay so great. Can't wait to read book two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2024
The book started out slow with Vonnie stumbling along on her own trying to be a private investigator. It took a bit to really get into it, as she had no idea what she was doing. I'm glad I stuck with it, as halfway through the story, the action picked up as she eluded bullets flying, wayward dogs and the men of Pelican Bay. The story often resembled the Stephanie Plum books, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I found myself chuckling in the same way. Now that the cast of characters is set, I look forward to reading more of Vonnie's antics in solving cases, figuring out what to do with B and hoping Tony sticks around.
January 16, 2024
Enjoyed reading this. . I’m always game starting a new series with an author I love. This is funny, laugh out loud at times with a quirky Vonnie Vines starting out new as a PI. Her first job is spying on a cheating husband which later turns into a murder to solve, a missing dog and her ex navy SEAL boyfriend in town who wants her back. I love to read a good mystery with a humorous MC who has me laughing out loud. I am so looking forward to the next mystery Vonnie has to solve with her crazy antics.
January 26, 2024
Megan Matthews is at it again! Delivering a wonderfully captivating series starter that has me hooked! Our main characters are of course Vonnie Vines and her ex-boyfriend who get caught up in a murder mystery. We're taken on an exciting roller coaster of a ride with drama, action, romance and more! A well written, crazy fun adventure in this cozy mystery! I'm ecstatic to have read this and can't wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2024
A slow burn and then takes off in glorious fashion!
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was how relatable all the characters were; struggling to pay the bills while still being dynamic in their sleuthing. While I sucked my teeth at reigniting the relationship, I relented eventually
There is a lot going on in this book and that is the wonderfull part about it, every time you pick it up, you have to sit down a minute just to keep up!
A fantastic read and I am looking forward to reading more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was how relatable all the characters were; struggling to pay the bills while still being dynamic in their sleuthing. While I sucked my teeth at reigniting the relationship, I relented eventually
There is a lot going on in this book and that is the wonderfull part about it, every time you pick it up, you have to sit down a minute just to keep up!
A fantastic read and I am looking forward to reading more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2024
This is the 1st book of a Vonnie Vines Mystery. This is a good PI small town cozy mystery. This book has the realization of being an adult and have bills to pay. The client Vonnie has come up murdered and her ex-sex Seal is around, and she is not trying to fall back into that relationship. It starts right at the beginning of the murder and drama which I really enjoy. I look forward to reading more on this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2025
This is the 1st book in the A Vonnie Vines Mystery series by the author, Megan Matthews, but this is totally different from her norm! But I loved it! This is Vonnie Vines story, basically an apprentice PI (as she is still learning the ropes). As we delve into this book we discover some insights into her life, challenges, and becoming a PI. Now add in her EX (he always pops up) a dog, and a dead client and you have a very interesting story. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2024
Vonnie Vines is on her way to becoming Maine’s best Private Investigator but first she must pass the exam and successfully solve a case which is harder than she could have ever imagined.
Now all of a sudden her long distance ex-boyfriend has come to her hometown for the first time ever and she is trying to solve a murder after her client shows up dead.
With being late on rent and all her bills Vonnie is running out of time before everything is gone.
This book started off pretty weak but turned around to be an enjoyable read. For me the beginning started off a little shaky as I found Vonnie flaky and in over her head in almost every aspect of her life but then slowly she began to get stronger as a character and the book became much more enjoyable.
I understood why Vonnie was so desperate to prove that Jimmy was cheating as her money was getting low and she really needed to prove herself. Yet Vonnie was going to find herself in jail with the sneaking around that she was doing that looked like she was interfering with a police case.
The case of the missing dog was interesting especially when the dogs smiles were being compared. I liked that Vonnie did find herself a little companion as I think she needed that in her life.
Broadrick MacGregor was Vonnie’s mysterious ex-boyfriend who happened to be a SEAL and his arrival in town was very mysterious especially when nobody else ever spotted him. I questioned the real reason why he was in town as things didn’t add up when Vonnie spotted him.
One thing that I didn’t understand through the whole book was the box and why Vonnie had to bring it with her everywhere. To me it took away from the story as wherever she was going, she had to lug the box around. I just didn’t enjoy this part of the story at all.
I liked how hard Vonnie worked at solving the mystery and how she never backed down at getting to the bottom of things.
I will try another one in the series now that hopefully Vonnie is more settled in the next book with a new place to live and figuring things out with Broadrick.- Rebecca
Now all of a sudden her long distance ex-boyfriend has come to her hometown for the first time ever and she is trying to solve a murder after her client shows up dead.
With being late on rent and all her bills Vonnie is running out of time before everything is gone.
This book started off pretty weak but turned around to be an enjoyable read. For me the beginning started off a little shaky as I found Vonnie flaky and in over her head in almost every aspect of her life but then slowly she began to get stronger as a character and the book became much more enjoyable.
I understood why Vonnie was so desperate to prove that Jimmy was cheating as her money was getting low and she really needed to prove herself. Yet Vonnie was going to find herself in jail with the sneaking around that she was doing that looked like she was interfering with a police case.
The case of the missing dog was interesting especially when the dogs smiles were being compared. I liked that Vonnie did find herself a little companion as I think she needed that in her life.
Broadrick MacGregor was Vonnie’s mysterious ex-boyfriend who happened to be a SEAL and his arrival in town was very mysterious especially when nobody else ever spotted him. I questioned the real reason why he was in town as things didn’t add up when Vonnie spotted him.
One thing that I didn’t understand through the whole book was the box and why Vonnie had to bring it with her everywhere. To me it took away from the story as wherever she was going, she had to lug the box around. I just didn’t enjoy this part of the story at all.
I liked how hard Vonnie worked at solving the mystery and how she never backed down at getting to the bottom of things.
I will try another one in the series now that hopefully Vonnie is more settled in the next book with a new place to live and figuring things out with Broadrick.- Rebecca
January 11, 2024
In this first in series of a spin-off from the Pelican Bay series’, Vonnie is trying to get her PI business going but her first surveillance case changes to a murder, there is a lost dog, a bounty hunter and the usual chaos surrounding the bakery girls. On top of that, Vonnie is faced with the return of her former boyfriend trying to win her heartbroken heart back again but is he to be trusted? Fun characters with lots of drama and an entertaining storyline.
January 24, 2024
I actually liked how I had to warm up to Vonnie and once I did I really liked her, she has a lot to prove and not just to her family but herself too.
We not only get a good first case to solve, but get to know Vonnie and those around her and I look forward to see what her next case is and the adventures that takes her on!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We not only get a good first case to solve, but get to know Vonnie and those around her and I look forward to see what her next case is and the adventures that takes her on!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2024
This is an interesting murder mystery that will keep you engaged. Vonnie is working at a detective agency while working on her license. While working on a cheating spouse case, the husband is innocent and arrives at their home to tell the wife. She is dead on the floor. Her ex surprises her because he wants a second chance. This is a real who donit.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2024
A delightful, tantalizing story that captures you on the first page and holds your attention until the last. Within the pages you will find heartbreak, sorrow, death, mystery, stubbornness, a giggle and laugh, kindness and some eye rolls imo. Join Vonnie as she seeks to continue collecting hours for her PI license despite the nonsupport of the "macho" men in town and her somewhat of a mentor. I am looking forward to Vonnies next case!!!
February 1, 2024
This is the first in a new series, and this is private investigator Vonnie’s story.
Vonnie is working towards getting her licence, and her Seal ex-boyfriend Broadrick, is determined to convince her to give them another chance.
This is a well written action packed story, with lies, humor, witty banter, mystery, challenges, and trust, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vonnie is working towards getting her licence, and her Seal ex-boyfriend Broadrick, is determined to convince her to give them another chance.
This is a well written action packed story, with lies, humor, witty banter, mystery, challenges, and trust, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and steamy page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2024
In the style of Janet Evanovich, Megan Matthews has a kick ass female main character who brings her own style to solving crimes while trying to balance her crazy supporting cast and, in this case, her smoking hot ex-boyfriend. The action is good, the sex scenes had just enough smoke to make me sweat a little. There were some laugh out loud moments too. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series. Enjoy.
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