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Paper Phoenix
First comes divorce, then comes murder…
…or at least sweet thoughts of murder. Maggie Longstreet has plenty of them after slimy, ambitious Richard trades her in for a more recent model. She’s so depressed she can barely get out of bed when Larry Hawkins, a seemingly not-at-all depressed acquaintance, commits suicide out of the blue. Suddenly Maggie goes on high alert, remembering something her evil ex said about Larry—something highly suspicious.
And from there, it's just a short segué to a bracing new development:
“When some women get divorced they go back to school, I thought. Some do volunteer work at the hospital, or join communes and learn to birth calves. Some have affairs with inappropriate men. My new interest is burglary. Maggie Longstreet, former wife and mother, past president of the Museum Guild, now starting a career as a second-story woman.”
Fortunately, Maggie isn’t alone in her adventure—a very attractive, much younger man proves a lot more fun than Richard ever was. In fact, the real delight of this witty, sly mystery is seeing Maggie come alive again after a suffocating marriage. Set in the’70s, it has a bit of that Mad Men feel of women on the brink of something big. And completely unexpected.
You know Maggie’s going to be okay when she says: “I’d rather have had one of those cute little guns with a mother-of-pearl handle, but this (diamond pin) would have to do. I concealed it in my hand. At least now I was armed—or pinned.”
…or at least sweet thoughts of murder. Maggie Longstreet has plenty of them after slimy, ambitious Richard trades her in for a more recent model. She’s so depressed she can barely get out of bed when Larry Hawkins, a seemingly not-at-all depressed acquaintance, commits suicide out of the blue. Suddenly Maggie goes on high alert, remembering something her evil ex said about Larry—something highly suspicious.
And from there, it's just a short segué to a bracing new development:
“When some women get divorced they go back to school, I thought. Some do volunteer work at the hospital, or join communes and learn to birth calves. Some have affairs with inappropriate men. My new interest is burglary. Maggie Longstreet, former wife and mother, past president of the Museum Guild, now starting a career as a second-story woman.”
Fortunately, Maggie isn’t alone in her adventure—a very attractive, much younger man proves a lot more fun than Richard ever was. In fact, the real delight of this witty, sly mystery is seeing Maggie come alive again after a suffocating marriage. Set in the’70s, it has a bit of that Mad Men feel of women on the brink of something big. And completely unexpected.
You know Maggie’s going to be okay when she says: “I’d rather have had one of those cute little guns with a mother-of-pearl handle, but this (diamond pin) would have to do. I concealed it in my hand. At least now I was armed—or pinned.”
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 1986
323 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
About the author
Michaela Thompson
23 books59 followersI've written seven mystery-suspense novels, set in wide-ranging locales: Hurricane Season and Riptide explore the beaches and swamps of the Florida Panhandle, where I grew up; Paper Phoenix features a romance between a disillusioned divorcee and a younger crusading journalist in 70's San Francisco; a failure analyst chases private demons to India in Fault Tree; a group of friends plays a deadly game at the Venice Carnival in Venetian Mask; and Magic Mirror and A Temporary Ghost recount the dangerous adventures of freelance journalist Georgia Lee Maxwell, who moves to France with her cat and ends up solving murders in Paris and Provence.
I've been a mystery fan my entire life. I love the form because it's endlessly flexible, yet the structure is always there.
I live in New York City, but spend time in the Florida Panhandle. My books were originally published under the name Mickey Friedman.
I've been a mystery fan my entire life. I love the form because it's endlessly flexible, yet the structure is always there.
I live in New York City, but spend time in the Florida Panhandle. My books were originally published under the name Mickey Friedman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
August 29, 2014
Pull yourself up by the bootstraps Maggie..! Never mind head down, you're being shot at..!
Maggie must succeed, because as you read, you have become her head cheerleader. This tightly wrapped plot and honest characters make the reader wanting 200 more pages; or the assurance of a sequel...
Maggie must succeed, because as you read, you have become her head cheerleader. This tightly wrapped plot and honest characters make the reader wanting 200 more pages; or the assurance of a sequel...
August 28, 2023
This book started a bit slow for me but it didn't take to long for it to pick up the pace and keep me wondering what was going to happen next.
In This book you are following Maggie after she just got divorced and is trying to figure out what to do with her new life. Everything she knew is gone and she doesn't really have any friends or hobbies anymore. One day while reading the paper she see's that someone she knew of committed suicide. Something seems off to her about it and she takes it upon herself to figure out what happened.
During Maggie's investigation she meets a man, gets shot at, threatened, told she is crazy, and finds a dead body. Will Maggie be able to finish her investigation and find out if Larry was killed or committed suicide?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a mystery book that has a strong female lead.
In This book you are following Maggie after she just got divorced and is trying to figure out what to do with her new life. Everything she knew is gone and she doesn't really have any friends or hobbies anymore. One day while reading the paper she see's that someone she knew of committed suicide. Something seems off to her about it and she takes it upon herself to figure out what happened.
During Maggie's investigation she meets a man, gets shot at, threatened, told she is crazy, and finds a dead body. Will Maggie be able to finish her investigation and find out if Larry was killed or committed suicide?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a mystery book that has a strong female lead.
July 26, 2018
4.5
I LOVED this book. Much more interesting than the classic amateur detective novel. I rarely really enjoy these books, I read them because they're quick and the stories are normally interesting. However, I really enjoyed reading this book. I guessed the ending a little more than halfway through but I'd been reading a lot of these lately so I don't think it was necessarily that clear, just that I had actively looking for clues.
I wish this could be a series because I did love the main character and the setting is interesting (San Fran in the 70s). But the romance aspect wouldn't have translated well into a series so I get it.
I LOVED this book. Much more interesting than the classic amateur detective novel. I rarely really enjoy these books, I read them because they're quick and the stories are normally interesting. However, I really enjoyed reading this book. I guessed the ending a little more than halfway through but I'd been reading a lot of these lately so I don't think it was necessarily that clear, just that I had actively looking for clues.
I wish this could be a series because I did love the main character and the setting is interesting (San Fran in the 70s). But the romance aspect wouldn't have translated well into a series so I get it.
December 22, 2017
Paper Phoenix is a story about a woman who is struggling with her divorce. A newspaper man is murdered and she suspects her husband is involved. This bring her out of her funk. She hooks up with a younger man, another newspaper man, with the goal of finding who murdered his colleague. This is a well written cozy mystery with a couple of subplots. The murdered is a surprise at the end. A good cozy mystery for fans.
June 9, 2024
I liked it. I sort of wish there was an extra at the ending giving an update to what happened in everyone's lives. What came of Richard, or Jane Malone? What did Maggie do with her life now that she felt free/woke. Also, what about Andrew? It was a slow start. It could have been so many people that even almost to the end I had doubts of who I thought the killer was. I am going to check to see if it may be a series or book two.
March 7, 2019
Very trite; divorcee- ex husband in SanFran construction business; shady deals, a small time editor jumps to his death...corruption abounds and she solves the murders and "moves on". Storyline and leaps of conclusions and solved murders is way too amateurish. Not interested in any more with this character.
June 17, 2019
Politics and love, or was it hate
The first couple of pages were slow, but came to realize that was important to set the character and circumstances of the main character. The story flowed well and I have to admit, I didn't know for sure who was guilty until the end. Completely enjoyed every page. I found NO ERRORS! (Personal pet peeve)
The first couple of pages were slow, but came to realize that was important to set the character and circumstances of the main character. The story flowed well and I have to admit, I didn't know for sure who was guilty until the end. Completely enjoyed every page. I found NO ERRORS! (Personal pet peeve)
July 2, 2018
The suspicious death of a muckraking newspaper editor in San Francisco leads the ex-wife of one of his prime targets to investigate further, revealing a snake's nest of corruption and double dealing.
Not quite a romance and not quite a cozy mystery.
Not quite a romance and not quite a cozy mystery.
August 11, 2018
Corruption and murder
A well plotted mystery with many twists and many suspects. At times a little slow, lots of reasons to kill but the true culprit has been there from the beginning. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Author knows how to weave a plot.
A well plotted mystery with many twists and many suspects. At times a little slow, lots of reasons to kill but the true culprit has been there from the beginning. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Author knows how to weave a plot.
September 4, 2018
Always a great read
A page turner. Fun read with good twist and turns. Let's face it, what more does a good book need? You have love lost, love found, bullets fired and corruption in local government.
Grab a copy before summer ends. If not now grab a copy for the coming fall.
A page turner. Fun read with good twist and turns. Let's face it, what more does a good book need? You have love lost, love found, bullets fired and corruption in local government.
Grab a copy before summer ends. If not now grab a copy for the coming fall.
July 7, 2019
Revenge
When faced with desperation you never know how you will react once the cloud surrounding your mind clears. You scramble to find out what your husband has to hide beside a very young girlfriend.
When faced with desperation you never know how you will react once the cloud surrounding your mind clears. You scramble to find out what your husband has to hide beside a very young girlfriend.
March 21, 2021
Maggie's husband leaves her for a much younger woman. Their college age daughter blames her mother. As an act of revenge, Maggie applies for a job with a newspaper and murders begin with her own life in danger. Fast read. I rate this a 4.5
March 25, 2024
So many twists
A good cozy mystery with many angles and twist. A little bit of drama, romance, loyalty and family issues. The characters were very believable. Definitely a page turner.
A good cozy mystery with many angles and twist. A little bit of drama, romance, loyalty and family issues. The characters were very believable. Definitely a page turner.
July 8, 2017
Not bad. But not great either. MC too disconnected from reality. Low 3*
April 26, 2018
Nice Read
I really enjoy reading these cozy mysteries,there good clean fun.They have a lot going on,a good read with mystery,thrills and suspense.
I really enjoy reading these cozy mysteries,there good clean fun.They have a lot going on,a good read with mystery,thrills and suspense.
April 29, 2018
Good Quick Read
Got this as a free book wasn't sure what to expect a good little read. Very quick easy to get into , held my interest. Very good read. Well done.
Got this as a free book wasn't sure what to expect a good little read. Very quick easy to get into , held my interest. Very good read. Well done.
July 27, 2018
Outstanding!
Kept me guessing until the very end! Ms Thompson is able to articulate her thoughts in a professional manner. Great character development and well written! Bravo!
Kept me guessing until the very end! Ms Thompson is able to articulate her thoughts in a professional manner. Great character development and well written! Bravo!
December 3, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery. Craziness happens.
December 5, 2018
Good but not over the top
I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't exciting. The character who died was no one anyone really liked. I did like the December May romance for a change.
I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't exciting. The character who died was no one anyone really liked. I did like the December May romance for a change.
March 6, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
October 2, 2024
Exciting
Really enjoyed this exciting story. I kept forgetting it was set in the 70s and wanted Maggie to do things she didn't have access to yet, LOL.
Really enjoyed this exciting story. I kept forgetting it was set in the 70s and wanted Maggie to do things she didn't have access to yet, LOL.
April 23, 2019
Fun mystery
I really enjoyed reading this one. It was a Light, easy read. Good book to relax and sip a glass of wine.
I really enjoyed reading this one. It was a Light, easy read. Good book to relax and sip a glass of wine.
May 22, 2014
I just finished meeting some more new friends and a visit to San Francisco but this time it was in the 70's. We meet Maggie Longstreet that has just been divorced. Her husband has decided to trade her in for a younger version. Now what does she do? Michaela develops the trauma of a middle aged woman that has devoted all her adult life to her marriage. She remembers over hearing her husband saying "Sure, I agree Larry Hawkins is a pain in the A--. But you can absolutely take my word for it, we won't have to worry about him much longer." as she reads the local paper reporting Larry, editor of The Peoples Times, had committed suicide. Maggie decides that a few things don't add up, so she teams up with a younger, very attractive, new editor of The Peoples Times, to get to the bottom of it. Murder, mayhem, a little affair of the heart, a tiny revenge satisfaction, and a surprise ending later and we have a thoroughly delightful cozy murder mystery. Michaela does her magic taking you to a wonderful city and meeting a new group of friends with a very suspenseful story. I truly enjoyed another wonderful book from the master of storytelling, Michaela Thompson.
Read
April 1, 2016Michaela Thompson is one of my favorite mystery authors. This book added to my admiration of her writing. Maggie Longstreet is a great character. The setting is 1970's San Francisco where Maggie has been left by her husband band for a much younger woman. She is 44 and has spent her married life raising a daughter (now in college) and supporting her husband's career as head of the city's redevelopment department. His divorcing her came as a shock she handles at first with depression and pills. But she rallies when she reads about apparent suicide of an acquaintance, the editor of a small newspaper who has been investigating government corruption. She remembered overhearing her husband making threats against the editor in a phone call and sets out to discover what might have happened.
The mystery was well-developed, the story believable in the context of the era, and the heroine and supporting characters perfect for both. I highly recommend this book and other mysteries by this author (originally published under the pseudonym of Mickey Friedman).
The mystery was well-developed, the story believable in the context of the era, and the heroine and supporting characters perfect for both. I highly recommend this book and other mysteries by this author (originally published under the pseudonym of Mickey Friedman).
March 25, 2014
Michaela Thompson is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and Paper Phoenix
I’ve been reading a lot of mystery books lately, and I can’t say I’m sad about it. I really enjoy them, so I was eager to pick up Paper Phoenix, as it would be my first from author Michaela Thompson. The beginning started off a little slow for me, but as the chapters progressed I got more and more interested in the story. It’s a quick read without too many possible suspects to keep track of, but I was still a little surprised when the identity of the killer was revealed. There wasn’t a big bang about it, and it almost ended too quietly for my liking. An interesting read still, and if you like mystery I think you could enjoy this one.
I’ve been reading a lot of mystery books lately, and I can’t say I’m sad about it. I really enjoy them, so I was eager to pick up Paper Phoenix, as it would be my first from author Michaela Thompson. The beginning started off a little slow for me, but as the chapters progressed I got more and more interested in the story. It’s a quick read without too many possible suspects to keep track of, but I was still a little surprised when the identity of the killer was revealed. There wasn’t a big bang about it, and it almost ended too quietly for my liking. An interesting read still, and if you like mystery I think you could enjoy this one.
April 10, 2015
'Paper Phoenix' is a good cozy mystery. I enjoyed the storyline and how it played out. The fact that it takes place in the 70's wasn't hard to understand. I think it added to the plot with topics such as divorce and womens placement in society after being the little housewife. The characters were great. Maggie is a strong lead, yet she didn't start out that way. Andrew was a great character that ultimately helped Maggie. A good add to your tbr list.
May 22, 2014
Never Disappointed
Good writing, interesting and fully fleshed-characters, set in a great town, San Francisco. I'm never disappointed by Michaela Thompson. Weather Florida or The Pacific Coast. she sets a mood. adds plot twists, makes connections; and, the reader closes the book satisfied. I recommend this, or any, of her mysteries. You won't be disappointed either.
Good writing, interesting and fully fleshed-characters, set in a great town, San Francisco. I'm never disappointed by Michaela Thompson. Weather Florida or The Pacific Coast. she sets a mood. adds plot twists, makes connections; and, the reader closes the book satisfied. I recommend this, or any, of her mysteries. You won't be disappointed either.
October 30, 2014
My Thoughts...
This is the first book I've read by this author, and it was also a freebie on bookbub.com one day, so wasn't sure what to expect. But...
I really enjoyed it, it moved along swiftly, and kept my attention to the end. I enjoyed it enough to award it 4 paper stars...It is also a part of my Kindle library.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and it was also a freebie on bookbub.com one day, so wasn't sure what to expect. But...
I really enjoyed it, it moved along swiftly, and kept my attention to the end. I enjoyed it enough to award it 4 paper stars...It is also a part of my Kindle library.
August 29, 2016
Very satisfying read! (Especially if you've been there)
Maggie and her situation were, and are, all too common. How she dealt with it was satisfying and so ENTERTAINING. It wasn't until about 3/4 through the book that I figured out who did what. Only to be totally surprised in the end. Nice!
Maggie and her situation were, and are, all too common. How she dealt with it was satisfying and so ENTERTAINING. It wasn't until about 3/4 through the book that I figured out who did what. Only to be totally surprised in the end. Nice!
September 8, 2014
Entertaining cozy mystery set in 70s San Francisco. Well-written, edited, and proofread. I liked Maggie and the author's ability to take her from lethargic, angry divorcee to believable, competent 'investigator' .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews